Improve off the ball or continue to sit on the bench, Pep tells Yaya

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has told Yaya Toure that he must improve off the ball if he wants to be involved this season.

Toure has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium ever since Guardiola was confirmed as the club’s new manager, and the Ivorian has played no part in the opening two games of the season.

However, Guardiola hinted that the midfielder could still have a future at the club if he shows more intensity when he is not in possession.

“Yaya is trying very well, he loves football. I spoke with him about his situation, he’s a player with huge quality and I’m really glad that his agent said I’m a good coach, ‘thank you, Dimitri’,” he told the club’s official website.

“I have adulation and respect for Yaya’s quality – when he increases his intensity without the ball, he will be involved.”