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Claude Puel: 'Riyad Mahrez made a mistake'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 12 February 2018

Leicester City manager Claude Puel says that winger Riyad Mahrez made a "mistake" with the way he handled his failed move to Manchester City on deadline day.

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has said that Riyad Mahrez made a "mistake" with the way he handled the aftermath of his failed move to Manchester City.

Mahrez was desperate to join the Premier League leaders on deadline day of the January transfer window, but Leicester refused to budge on their hefty asking price and ultimately kept hold of the Algerian.

The 26-year-old subsequently failed to turn up to training and missed two matches, although he denied reports that he had gone AWOL from the club.

Mahrez returned as a second-half sub - incidentally against Man City during Saturday's 5-1 defeat - and Puel is looking forward to welcoming the winger back into his squad.

"I think since the beginning of the situation it was tough to manage, but all the time we kept united about this situation and about Riyad," Puel is quoted as saying by the Leicester Mercury.

"That was the most important thing. Sometimes some players can make a mistake. It was the first time for him and it was a mistake but the most important thing is to look forward and put it right.

"He is fantastic player for us, his teammates and the fans. It is a pleasure to watch him... It is important we continue together."

Mahrez has scored eight goals and laid on seven more for his teammates from his 25 Premier League appearances this season.