JEDDAH — Algerian footballer Riyad Mahrez, a player for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, has acknowledged that he is no longer the same player he was at Manchester City. He emphasized his role as part of a team system, explaining that individual contributions are only impactful when the entire team performs well. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday ahead of Al-Ahli's upcoming match against Iraq's Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League elite, Mahrez responded to recent criticism, affirming that he still gives his best to his Saudi team. "People say I'm not giving 100% or that I'm not at my physical peak," Mahrez said. "But last season, I made significant contributions in goals and assists. It's important to remember that I'm part of a system. When the team is functioning well, I'll perform better. Every place I've played, this has been the case. I came here with different circumstances, a different environment, and lifestyle. I know I'm no longer the player who came from Manchester City, and I know I can't dribble past six players anymore, but I'm here to contribute." Mahrez also discussed the team's struggle to maintain balance across the squad, addressing the inconsistency between their domestic league and Asian competition results. In response to a question about the team's mixed performances, he remarked, "I don't know exactly how to explain it, but in Asia, our strong start has kept us going, while in the league, we've lost games we deserved to win. That can impact confidence." "As the coach has said, our team lacks balance; we may not have the right players in every position, and some aren't used to playing continuously."
