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Pep Guardiola insists Eliaquim Mangala has chance to prove he has Manchester City future

Etihad chief backs the France star who was on loan at Valencia last term - after key City defender John Stones got injured

PEP GUARDIOLA says Eliaquim Mangala has the chance to prove he has a future at Manchester CIty.

The French international has not started a Premier League game this season after spending last season out on loan at Valencia.

Eliaquim Mangala has impressed Pep Guardiola with his attitude in training
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Eliaquim Mangala has impressed Pep Guardiola with his attitude in trainingCredit: Reuters

Yet the hamstring injury suffered by John Stones earlier this month has left Guardiola short of centre backs.

There are still doubts over whether Vincent Kompany is fit to play several games in quick succession - so Mangala could get his chance.

And Guardiola is ready to give him opportunities over what promises to be a busy few weeks leading up to the New Year.

He said: "He's a player for us and he will stay here. In the future in the winter break and open window in the summer, we are going to assess everything, not just Manga,

Man City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala was on loan at Valencia last term
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Man City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala was on loan at Valencia last termCredit: AFP or licensors
Pep Guardiola insists City will keep hold of defender Eliaquim Mangala
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Pep Guardiola insists City will keep hold of defender Eliaquim MangalaCredit: Reuters

"We will see if you are happy or not, playing or not, you have to decide. He has to decide if he wants to stay here.

"Manga is a player with a lot of experience at a high level, Valencia, Porto, here, national team."

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City are weighing up whether to dip into the transfer market in January - and if they do a centre back is likely to be top of their list.

Yet Pep has been impressed with the way Mangala has knuckled down and worked after he looked certain to leave in the summer.

Injury to John Stones has given Etihad chief Pep Guardiola some defensive worries
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Injury to John Stones has given Etihad chief Pep Guardiola some defensive worriesCredit: Getty Images - Getty

 

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Guardiola said: "I'm really impressed with his behaviour in the training sessions, always wanting to help.

"For a manager, a club, it's so important.

"He has specific qualifies and in this league it's important and we are going to use him."

Eliaquim Mangala has been praised by Pep Guardiola for knuckling down well  
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Eliaquim Mangala has been praised by Pep Guardiola for knuckling down well  Credit: Getty - Contributor

"He's always paying attention and wants to try to do it and when that hapens it's enough, he has qualites and wants to improve.

"He's always asking and trying to do what he has to do to improve our game."

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