It is different to play for Manchester City – Algeria defender Rayan Ait-Nouri

Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri says every single training session at the club comes with added pressure.

The 24-year-old joined from Wolves last summer and, after a stop-start beginning to the season through injury, has hit a run of form in recent weeks.

Now, with City still in the hunt for four major trophies this season, he has reflected on his City experience so far.

“It’s been very good. I’m very happy to be here and to train every day with this manager,” he said.

“Training with these players, too, is very good. I’m happy. It’s different. It’s another level.

“There is more pressure. It’s a very good dressing room.

“I remember I spoke to Riyad Mahrez before I came, and he said the guys are incredible. When I came, everyone was welcoming, and it was very important for me.”

The Algerian full-back is one of several fresh faces in the squad to arrive in the last three transfer windows.

While he’s getting to grips with life at the Etihad, he reiterated that every day’s a school day when working with Pep Guardiola.

“Every day, you learn a lot. It’s a pleasure to work with him and his staff – Kolo Toure and Pep Lijnders,” said Ait-Nouri.

“We try to give our best every day to push our limits. It’s very good to train with them every day, and I feel I have improved a lot in various aspects of my game.”

Ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, City sit five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.

That has placed the Blues firmly in external discussion about the title, but Ait-Nouri is looking no further than each game as it comes.

“I have been in the Premier League for six years now, and each game is very hard,” he reflected.

“The league is very tough; each game is difficult. We need to win every game; we play football for that. We need to keep going.

“We try to be focused on ourselves. We will see what happens, but we will fight until the end and give everything – that is the most important thing.”