Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has told Riyad Mahrez to get back to his best if he wants to win back his place in the team.

Mahrez has made only one start since August, with Phil Foden taking his place on the right wing.

Guardiola wants the 31-year-old to rediscover his love for the game before he can force his way back into his thoughts.

“He knows it." I know Riyad perfectly. We need him to come back to his best and when he’s the best – personality, ability, quality, his love for the game.

Step-by-step, he will come back. Now he’s not playing much, but he has to come back in better physical condition.

“The rest, I cannot teach him anything – he’s too good,” Guardiola told a Champions League news conference when asked about Mahrez’s recent form.