City boss Guardiola admits regret over limited role for Doku

Since the March international break, Guardiola has adjusted his tactical approach, favouring a more possession-heavy style with increased emphasis on midfield control and defensive solidity. This change has notably affected the roles of dynamic wingers like Jeremy Doku and Savinho, who have seen their minutes on the pitch reduced as a result.

Doku, who had been restricted to cameo appearances in City's last three matches, made a significant impression during Saturday's Premier League fixture against Everton. Introduced in the second half with the score still goalless, the Belgian international helped shift the momentum decisively in his team's favour, contributing to a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park.

Reflecting on his recent selections, Guardiola said: "I've not been fair to him over the last few games. When I think back to matches like the ones against Spurs and Brighton, his influence was crucial. But recently, our setup hasn't involved traditional wingers, and that's limited his chances."

He continued: "It's not a reflection on his quality. It's just the tactical choices we've made. I feel bad for him and others in a similar situation.

"His impact was much stronger this time. At Old Trafford, he didn't quite influence the game. But today, he brought energy, created danger, and reached the byline repeatedly. In the final third, Jeremy is simply electric. He's an extraordinary player, and I'm delighted he made such a difference today."