I’m learning to slow down, says Doku | OneFootball

Jeremy Doku says he’s learning when to slow the game down as part of his development under Pep Guardiola.

The lightning quick Belgian winger has enjoyed a sparkling start to his third season at City, contributing to our positive start in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Still just 23, Doku is approaching 100 games in a City shirt and has played more than 250 times in his professional career.

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However, he says there’s still plenty he is learning from Guardiola every single day.

While his natural pace and acceleration is one of his key assets, Doku says the boss has made him aware of the importance of picking the right moment to use it.

He said: “There are a lot of things I learn daily but the biggest thing is, when I arrived I was younger and had a lot of energy and always wanted to go forward but what I’ve learned is that sometimes you need to know the moments in the game to be more mature and calm down.

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“It’s something I’ve improved on. We keep improving because we know everyone has the quality to play - if you want to play you need to be on point every time.

“We push each other in a healthy way and that makes us improve every day.”

Since joining in 2023, Doku has won four major honours at the Etihad including the 2023/24 Premier League title.

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After a disappointing 2024/25, City have started the new season well as we seek a return to aiming for the biggest honours in the game.

Doku says that demand is something the squad relish.

“It’s challenging - there’s a lot of pressure but when you look around you - you are surrounded by a top team and good stuff as well. That’s all you want,” he stated.

“Every player wants to win the biggest trophies and wants to be up there - we all strive to win trophies and to compete.

“I enjoy the game when most of the time we have the ball - we are a team that dominate and for us as wingers it’s fun when we have the ball and we can attack a lot.

“Everyone in this team has a goal and an ambition - everyone is motivated to be the best version of themselves.”

While Doku has been one of our key players this season, there’s been one man that has grabbed the majority of the headlines.

Erling Haaland has netted an incredible 24 goals in 14 appearances for club and country, including at least one in each of his last 12 appearances.

Doku says it’s exciting for every member of the squad to play alongside the Norwegian.

“He’s a machine. He likes to score goals and he always scores goals - he’s always hungry,” he said.

“It’s his quality too - he’s always had that. I’m not surprised by how he’s been doing.”