Rayan Aït Nouri determined to make bigger impact at Manchester City after injury setbacks

Algerian international Rayan Aït Nouri says he is determined to make a much bigger impact at Manchester City after admitting he was left disappointed by a first season disrupted by injury.

The left-back is approaching the new campaign with renewed confidence after an opening year at the Etihad Stadium in which fitness problems limited his opportunities to establish himself in the squad.

Having overcome those setbacks, Aït Nouri is now focused on earning a more influential role and becoming an important figure for the Premier League side.

The defender arrived at Manchester City carrying high expectations but acknowledged that his first few months did not unfold as he had hoped.

Injuries early in his time at the club interrupted his progress and prevented him from consistently showing the qualities that had earned him his move.

Reflecting on that challenging period, Aït Nouri admitted he expected more from himself.

“I wasn’t very satisfied, because I know I can contribute more. It was complicated, because at the beginning I was injured. Then, I did everything I could to come back and I tried to give everything for this team and for this shirt.”

Despite his personal frustrations, the Algerian insisted the team’s achievements remained the priority. He looked back positively on a campaign in which Manchester City collected two trophies, describing it as an important experience in his development.

“The most important thing is the team. Last season, we won two trophies and it was a fantastic experience. We worked with this coach, it was great for me and for the team. I’m very happy to be part of this group.”

The new season also brings a fresh chapter under head coach Enzo Maresca, whose arrival has introduced new ideas and a different approach on the training ground.

Aït Nouri spoke positively about the work being done during pre-season and expressed his enthusiasm about adapting to the manager’s methods.

“Training sessions are going very well. I really enjoy working with this coach and we’ll see what the future holds. I’m very happy to be here.”

Now fully focused on the campaign ahead, the Algerian defender believes he is ready to rediscover the level of performance he has previously shown in the Premier League.

He said he is eager to prove himself once again and make a significant contribution from the opening weeks of the season.

“I am very confident. I want to show everyone what I am capable of on the pitch. I have already shown it before and I hope to demonstrate it again this season. I am really looking forward to the season starting and I am very happy to be here.”

After an injury-interrupted first year, Aït Nouri now sees the new season as an opportunity to fulfil the expectations that accompanied his arrival at Manchester City and establish himself as a key member of the squad.