That is the question I have been pondering about since Kelechi Iheanacho was dropped from the Manchester City squad for their 2-2 home draw against Tottenham on Sunday, January 22.
As iIheanacho was dropped for the game, Pep Guardiola named his new signing Gabriel Jesus and the Brazilian was a live-wire in the little minute he played in the game.
Jesus found what the net in what could have been the winner for and offer a glimpse of his all-star qualities that have scared lots of Nigerian football fans.
The Nigerian football fans are scared because a reality has hit them; the reality that our own Iheanacho has lost his place at Manchester City.
Dropping Iheanacho was a huge statement by Guardiola who seems not to fancy the Nigerian anymore. Like Michael Owen pointed out recently, Iheanacho has not improved under Guardiola who also does not seem to trust him at all.
“Iheanacho isn’t the same player he was once,” said Owen.
“His confidence has taken a hit, I think he plays with lot of pressure as he is unsure what could happen next unlike when Pellegrini was in charge.
“He is surrounded by players he knows have the trust of the manager unlike during Pellegrini’s reign where he has the trust of the manager and knows it, he has regressed under Guardiola. He is under pressure,” he concluded.
A loan move has been suggested for Iheanacho which could work well for him and his future in the game. There is really no reason to stay at Manchester City for the remainder of the season.
The Citizens are not doing well and are not hopeful of a major trophy this season bar any miracle and there is nothing to look forward to at the club especially when you are not playing. Going on loan will offer Iheanacho the opportunity to get more playing time.
His dad, James Iheanacho however says the striker who has scored four Premier League goals this season will not be leaving City on loan.
“Automatically Kelechi is not going on loan because his name is not among the players leaving,” Iheanacho’s dad told All Nigerian Soccer.
“It is only [on Saturday] he did not play.”
Last season Iheanacho scored 14 times including a hat-trick in an FA Cup clash with Aston Villa.
He is still highly rated by the media and other football enthusiasts and he is not short of any admirers.
If Pep Guardiola is not one of these admirers, then the sooner he leaves the Etihad, the better for him and his career.
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