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Riyad Mahrez: I'm focused on Leicester City and not thinking about transfer window

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Riyad Mahrez says he is not thinking about the January transfer window and is fully focused on Leicester

Riyad Mahrez insists he is happy at Leicester City and is refusing to think about what might happen in the January transfer window.

The midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Roma during the summer, but stayed at the King Power Stadium and has found form in recent weeks, scoring three goals in his last five club matches.

Mahrez has been linked with Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham in the British press in the last few weeks, but told Soccer Saturday he was focusing on helping 12th-placed Leicester climb the table.

When asked about his future, he responded: "Yes I am happy, I am happy, I'm here four years and I love this club. I am very happy.

"I don't want to think about [January]. We still have 12 games to go until January, so if I think about January now I'm not going to play football.

"I need to play and concentrate on football and the team and we will see."

If I think about January now I'm not going to play football. I need to play and concentrate on football and the team and we will see."
Riyad Mahrez

After a disappointing start to the season, Leicester replaced Craig Shakespeare with Claude Puel as manager and have picked up four points from his first two matches against Everton and Stoke.

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Ahead of Saturday's clash with Man City, Mahrez insists the new boss has not yet had time to have a major impact on the players, but has been boosted by improved performances.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29:  Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City reacts during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The K
Image: Claude Puel oversaw a win in his first match against Everton

He said: "We are playing better. When we win, it is good. We are in good form.

"I don't know if it's because of the new manager, but we are winning with him so you could say that.

"Of course he brings different things and different ideas. He hasn't changed a lot of things yet because it's still only two or three weeks he's been here. He needs time.

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Mahrez scored in Leicester's last match - a 2-2 draw with Stoke

"It's good. He's very calm and a hard worker."

Mahrez also sought to allay the concerns of supporters who were not excited about the appointment of the former Southampton manager.

"He's an ambitious manager," he added.

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Watch a preview of Saturday's Premier League fixtures, including Leicester City v Manchester City

"I knew him from France and he had a good reputation and what I've seen so far, I'm confident."

Leicester have gone six games without defeat after losing four of their first eight, but Mahrez says they are still a long way from the form that saw them win the Premier League two seasons ago.

He said: "It's difficult to say that because we were winning every game and we were unbeatable. We lost three games in the season.

Riyad Mahrez (R) celebrates with Christian Fuchs after restoring Leicester's lead
Image: Riyad Mahrez says he is still happy at Leicester

"I don't think we are in this form now. We are far from this.

"Maybe [we can get back to that]. Why not? It's a confidence thing. When you win games and keep winning it goes along on its own. I think we just need to play good and win games."

He added: "It's difficult in the Premier League. We just need to be safe first and then we will see."

Catch the full Soccer Saturday interview with Riyad Mahrez on Sky Sports News ahead of Leicester's clash at home to Manchester City at 3pm.

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