Jeremy Doku stated that during his time at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola gave him freedom on the field, and this approach helped improve his game.
The Belgian player explained that Guardiola did not limit him with detailed "do this, do that" instructions before matches; instead, he emphasized the individual qualities of the players.
Guardiola’s Approach: Role Based on Player’s Strengths
Doku said his former coach positioned players according to their talents. According to him, Guardiola considers what each player does best rather than expecting the same from everyone.
Within this framework, Doku mentioned that Omar Marmoush’s shooting power was highlighted, Rayan Cherki was valued for his versatility, and Abdukodir Khusanov was used in forward runs due to his speed.
The Belgian winger noted that Guardiola applied a similar approach to his own role, allowing him to use his speed and explosiveness. Doku expressed that this freedom opened up creative space for him.
Emphasis on Staying Calm in Decision Moments
Doku explained that Guardiola provided tactical guidance not only in attack but also in defense. He learned especially not to rush at the end of attacking actions and to stay calm when making the final pass or move.
The player emphasized that making the right decisions is as important as speed and explosiveness for his development. This has increased his awareness on the ball and the quality of his choices.
Performance at Manchester City
After transferring from Rennes for £55 million, Doku played a total of 133 matches for Manchester City. During this period, he scored 20 goals and provided 34 assists.
Having won the Premier League title in his first season, Doku said he developed both his individual decision-making skills and his habit of choosing the right moment to use the ball within three years. With this experience, he stands out as one of his country’s key players ahead of the World Cup.