Rayan Ait-Nouri discusses injury struggles and adapting to Pep Guardiola’s demands at Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has lifted the lid on adjusting to life at the Etihad Stadium and Pep Guardiola’s demands on the pitch.

The 24-year-old made a strong start to life in sky blue upon joining from Wolves for £31 million last summer, shining at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States before impressing in pre-season.

Ait-Nouri was brought in as the solution to Manchester City’s long-standing personnel problems at left-back by director of football Hugo Viana last summer, with the Portuguese executive making wholesale changes to Guardiola’s ranks in the backdrop of a dismal 2024-25 season.

City started the season with a convincing 4-0 win over Wolves as Ait-Nouri returned to the Molineux Stadium on the opening day of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, earning a start in the week that followed in a 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham in August 2025.

However, the Algeria international sustained an ankle injury that saw him come off for Nathan Ake in the first-half of that defeat to Tottenham, keeping him out of action until the end of October, when he returned to full first-team training.

In conversation with Manchester City media channel Blue Moon on YouTube, the former Wolves star has reflected on an injury-riddled start to life in the north-west.

“I had an injury at the start of that kept me out for two months, which didn’t help,” Ait-Nouri said. “But I worked hard to get back.

“The most important is to be as effective as possible and ready at all times. At big clubs, you have to be prepared. I work every day in training to play as many matches as possible, perform at my best, have an impact on the team.”

Ait-Nouri has established himself as Manchester City’s preferred left-back since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, allowing Nico O’Reilly to revert to his natural position in the middle of the park.

“Honestly, the players welcomed us really well,” the full-back added. “So, the adaptation has gone pretty smoothly. I’m happy to be here and really excited.

“It’s a pleasure to work with him (Guardiola) every day. He really helps push our limits, enjoys many aspects of the game and he’s the best coach in football history.”

On competition for places at Manchester City, Ait-Nouri said: “It’s healthy competition. We train every day to try to play. We push each other to achieve the best performance. Everyone gets along very well. Whoever plays on the pitch gives their all for the team and tries to perform at their best.”

Ait-Nouri’s form and fitness will be pivotal in the coming months as Manchester City launch a quest for silverware on four fronts, with Arsenal stuttering in the title race and the Blues in touching distance of the Premier League leaders.