Riyad Mahrez ‘deserves better’ than Leicester City, according to Algeria coach Rabah Madjer

Algeria boss Madjer convinced that Mahrez can play at a higher level

Riyad Mahrez “deserves better” than Leicester City, according to his national team manager Rabah Madjer.

The winger was wanted by Premier League leaders Manchester City during the January transfer window, but the mooted £65m move collapsed on deadline day.

That has left Mahrez in limbo and he was left out of Leicester’s draw with Swansea this weekend, with Algeria boss Madjer convinced that he can play at a higher level.

"Mahrez currently deserves better than Leicester,” he told Goal. “But we must not forget that it was Leicester who put him on the right track.

“I think a serious conversation with his board is needed. He wants to go to a bigger club in the English league. I do not know what really happened about his transfer.”

It has been widely rumoured that Mahrez deliberately skipped training after his move fell through, but Madjer says he has advised the winger to continue working hard.

“Me, I advise him to resume training and work hard, even if the transfer has not been resolved,” he said.

“And we must not forget that there are the games of the national team (that will come soon) and a preparation. May he come back to us in great shape. I hope that later the doors will be opened by a bigger club.”