Player says he was “spoiled” with minutes at AC Milan
Tijjani Reijnders says he has no complaints if Pep Guardiola chooses to leave him out of Manchester City’s starting lineup for some Premier League fixtures.
The Dutch international joined City from AC Milan in the summer and has started the season strongly. He has shown that he can be a reliable midfield option for Guardiola but was named on the bench against Bournemouth, and then again for the high-profile meeting with Liverpool, with Rayan Cherki starting ahead of him.
The drop-off in minutes is unfamiliar territory for a player who was a near-permanent fixture at Milan.
But Reijnders said: “It’s a very long season. If you look at our squad, anyone could be in the starting lineup. I’ve been spoiled a bit these past few years. That’s part of being at a club like this. You sometimes end up on the bench.”
The player also stressed that he loves the English game and remains fully committed to producing what Guardiola demands.
“It’s great, the Premier League,” said Reijnders. “I still enjoy every day at Manchester City. There’s a lot to consider in training, how we prepare tactically with the players we have. [Being benched against Liverpool] was the coach’s decision.”
