Jeremy Doku reveals personal aim for Manchester City season amid “difficult” start | OneFootball

Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has revealed he is aiming to better his personal statistics in front of goal this season following a “difficult” start to the campaign.

The Belgian international, who joined City from Rennes in the summer of 2023, has quickly established himself as one of Pep Guardiola’s most unpredictable and dynamic wide options in the squad.

Yet, despite his dribbling prowess and explosive attacking runs, consistency and end product remain key areas of development as he continues to adapt to life at the club and in the Premier League.

Manchester City’s sluggish start to the new season has intensified scrutiny on the performances of attacking players, particularly with new names undergoing a transitional phase in their fresh environment, and Erling Haaland heavily marked by opponents.

After Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton, questions have been raised not only about Manchester City’s defensive resilience but also their ability to convert chances into goals, and Doku’s comments also arrive at a time when other teammates have spoken about the need for collective and individual improvements.

The 23-year-old has now added his own voice to the conversation, stressing the importance of statistics in his personal development while admitting to frustration with his early-season form.

Speaking while away on international duty with Belgium, Jeremy Doku offered his own personal verdict on City’s start to the campaign, as well as his own hopes from a personal perspective.

“After the first match against Wolves, everyone had a good feeling, we won by a large score,” Doku said. “The next two matches it was a bit more difficult. When we concede, we drop our arms a bit and that’s where we need to be mentally stronger.”

Offering an honest verdict on his own performances, Doku said, “I’m not yet fully in form. I’ve always been critical of myself, I know when I’m good and then don’t play afterwards, it’s not in my hands.

“But I also say when I’m not good, and I know I haven’t been in the first three matches. But I know it will come quickly and everything will be fine… This season, I want to work on my stats.

“Football isn’t just about stats, but they matter. I want to find myself in the penalty area more often.”

Jeremy Doku’s acknowledgement reflects the fine balance Pep Guardiola often asks of his wingers: stretching opposition defences with width, while also finding ways to contribute directly with goals and assists.

Last season, the Belgian’s impact was felt more through chance creation and ball progression, but there is a clear expectation that his numbers in front of goal must now rise as Manchester City seek to return to title-challenging form.

Looking forward, Doku’s ability to translate his dribbling excellence into final-third output could prove crucial, especially with other wide players like Oscar Bobb still re-establishing himself after injury, and Savinho in a similar situation after a drawn-out transfer saga involving Tottenham.

If the Belgian can improve his finishing and positioning in the penalty area, he may yet emerge as one of the decisive figures in Manchester City’s season.

With City heading into the international break under pressure to reset, Jeremy Doku’s determination to add goals to his game could be one of the sparks that reignite Pep Guardiola’s side once domestic action resumes.