Kelechi Iheanacho believes he is ready to help Manchester City in all competitions and says the prospect of playing Champions League football doesn’t phase him.
The 19-year-old Nigerian, who has four goals from just 275 minutes of action this season, wasn’t named in the club’s initial Champions League squad but an injury to Samir Nasri, which is likely to keep the Frenchman out until around the semi-final stage, means a gap has appeared.
City can submit an altered selection after the transfer window closes, with many suggesting Iheanacho should be the man to replace Nasri.
“Football is just the same,” Iheanacho says. “It’s a big tournament and I haven’t played in it before, so you just have to do your best and keep doing what you are doing.
“It’s the same players I train with, so it’s not going to be easy but I really have to help my team if I’m in.”
Iheanacho has performed superbly whenever he’s been given an opportunity this season and could be forgiven for feeling somewhat frustrated by Manuel Pellegrini’s reluctance to give him an extended run in the side, yet his focus is purely on the positives.
“Everyone has been great to me,” he says. “Yaya and everyone. They talk to me every time in the dressing room and on the field of play, they speak to me very well.
“I’m happy to work with them and play with great players. They talk to me every time, so every one of them is good.
“The facilities here – everything is great. The pitch, the environment. Great people as well are working here. It’s a very great place to train and to play. I love staying here.”
Iheanacho is surrounded by quality in the City squad, players he feels he can learn from and use to improve his game.
He says Sergio Aguero is one of the finest strikers in the world and feels working alongside him is key to his development.
“I feel great training with Sergio. He’s a great player. Good technique. Good finish. Good position. Good runs off the defender off the ball.
“He’s very intelligent, a good striker, a great finisher. I’m happy training with him and playing alongside him.
“I learn from him as well, both in the training and in the games. The I work hard and improve on things that I don’t do.”
“It’s not a pressure to me. I just have to work really hard and when I get a game prove myself. Young players need to work and show their manager they really want to be in the first team.”
[post_ad]
For the latest football news, follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page.
