Leicester boss Claude Puel questions Manchester City's pursuit of Riyad Mahrez

'To make solicitation just one or two days before the end of the transfer window, I don’t know if it is normal'

Claude Puel insisted the saga is behind everyone at Leicester (Getty)

Claude Puel has suggested his club deserves more “respect” after Manchester City attempted to prise Riyad Mahrez from the club.

City made a late move for the Algerian at the end of last month, prompting the player to submit a second transfer request within the space of six months.

Leicester stood firm in the face of City’s interest, though, before Mahrez subsequently went on strike in protest at the blocked transfer.

The Algerian has since returned from his self-imposed exile, appearing as a second-half substitute in Leicester’s 5-1 defeat at City, and is expected to start in his side’s FA Cup tie against Sheffield United on Friday night.

With the waters now more or less settled at the King Power Stadium, Puel has questioned the nature of City’s approach.

“To make solicitation just one or two days before the end of the transfer window, I don’t know if it is normal,” he said.

“We don’t have a lot of players with the same quality like Riyad.

“For some other teams, it is not a difficulty to replace their players. We’re not a squad like some great teams at the top of the table. We need to manage better and we need also perhaps some respect from others.”

Riyad Mahrez has made his return to action at Leicester (Getty Images)

Asked whether the 26-year-old had returned in good shape following his absence, the Leicester boss said: "I think better.

"He enjoys to play and train with his team mates and he is at a good level with no problem.

"He has come back with a smile. The story is behind him, all the players want to move on.

"It is important to put an end to the talking about Riyad, he came back to the game at Manchester City. We need to move on, for him he needs to kick on, like the team the most important thing is in front of us."

Mahrez made his return in Manchester and when asked about how he might be received back at the King Power Stadium, Puel replied: "I think it was good reception when he came on against Man City.

"I think the fans understand the difficulties to manage this period. We have stayed united. It is important now, together, to look forward."