Signed for a world record fee for a defender following the acquisition of Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy was meant to be one of the key pieces of Pep Guardiola’s plans this season.
Delighted at getting his transfer in the summer, the France international was quick to become a fan favourite, bringing a bit of craziness to the dressing room and to his favourite social media outlet, Twitter.
Unfortunately, the young defender suffered a potentially season ending injury in his knee, and is now working hard to get back to full fitness for the 2018 World Cup, and maybe even before.
Thanks to great help from Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City staff, Mendy now fully believes he can return in time to help his team finish the season.
In fact, the Spanish manager has been there for him since the start.
Mendy told L’Equipe: “When I first arrived, the first thing he did was give me a big hug. Everything is natural with him. When Pep Guardiola tells you ‘it would be a dream to work with you’, how do you react? It’s incredible.
“After my injury, I went to the stadium in his family box. He told me ‘After your injury, what I’ll do with you will be incredible’. He wants to make me the best full-back in the world”.
With around 50 minutes of video work in the morning, the Spanish manager ensures his team is fully ready for the task ahead, even if, sometimes, he comes across as a bit over the top.
The defender continued: “He can repeat non stop the same thing. One day, we left the session and everyone said laughing ‘That guy is crazy’. It was before the game against Crystal Palace. Pep told us: ‘They play like this: clearance to Benteke, Another video, clearance to Benteke, clearance to Benteke.”
“The whole video session was that. He doesn’t want you for one second to be on the pitch and ask ‘What do I have to do?’”
Eager to return as soon as possible, it’s fair to say Mendy is in one of the best environments to do so, and he seems to be enjoying himself.
That’s always a good start.
