Mangala Admits Struggles with Premier League Intensity After Big-Money Move
Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala has opened up about his challenges adapting to life in the Premier League, following his high-profile €53 million move from FC Porto last summer. The French defender, who arrived with big expectations, has endured a mixed debut season at the Etihad Stadium.
Mangala made a strong first impression with a commanding performance against Chelsea early in the campaign. However, inconsistency has since crept into his game, drawing criticism and raising questions about his hefty transfer fee.
Speaking to The Guardian, Mangala acknowledged the difficulties he’s faced maintaining top form in England’s top flight. “My debut against Chelsea went very well,” he said. “After that, I had matches where things didn’t go so well. I need to be more consistent—not one good match, then one bad match, then two good matches, then one average one.”
The former Standard Liège man admitted that he underestimated the intensity of English football. “Of course, there is an adjustment period for every player who arrives in England. I expected speed, intensity, and physical matches. But there is a difference between what you think you will find and what you actually experience. It’s true that everything is more pronounced than what I imagined when I arrived.”
Despite the bumps in the road, the 24-year-old remains focused on improvement and securing his place in Manuel Pellegrini’s starting XI. His blend of pace and physical presence still marks him as a promising long-term investment for City, but the club and its fans will be hoping he can settle quickly and justify his record-breaking fee.
