Yaya Toure: I don't play like Man City fans want me to anymore
Pep Guardiola handed Yaya Toure a new one-year deal this summer and the midfielder is determined to keep his place.
Yaya Toure admits he no longer plays how Manchester City fans want him to - but he was prepared to alter his game to save his Etihad career.
The Ivorian produced a remarkable turnaround by signing a new one-year deal at the end of last season - months after being exiled by Pep Guardiola.
Toure proved to be the only out of contract player to remain at the club in what has been a summer of significant change.
But back in September few would have banked on him sticking around beyond the turn of the year after being dropped from City’s Champions League squad and frozen out of the first team.
He would go on to apologise for his agent Dmitri Seluk’s public criticism of Guardiola - earning himself a recall and eventually establishing himself as a pivotal part of the City manager’s plans.
But he admits his role has had to change - meaning those marauding runs into the opposition box have been curtailed.
“To be honest I’ve not played how people like the fans want me to play,” said the 35-year-old. “But I’ve been here long enough to have achieved a lot of things.
“Now I’m playing the way the manager wants me to play.
“It’s only the manager that decides and he can do what he wants. He is the one to decide.”
Such has been Toure’s form since his recall that he is now the leading contender to start the season in the holding midfield role.
“People have been close to sending me off,” he added. “But I was not close to leaving.
“I was delighted to stay for one more year and we will see what happens.”
Toure’s withdrawn role is a return to the one he played before his move to City from Barcelona in 2011.
And with Guardiola front-loading his team with so much attacking talent, the veteran has been forced to show discipline when his natural instincts are to burst forward.
But City captain Vincent Kompany is convinced he remains a priceless asset to the club.
“He is one of the most gifted players we’ve ever had at the club,” said the Belgian. “He’s one of very few players who can still dictate the tempo of a game.
“His passing is incredible and his physical ability too.
“He’s been good in training - it’s another important year for him - he’s such a great guy to have around.”
Toure will face competition from Fernandinho and potentially Ilkay Gundogan to play at the base of City’s midfield - but by the end of last season he had established himself as first choice.
Guardiola could yet move for another midfielder, with Fernando and Fabian Delph set to depart - but the City manager has prioritised defence and attack in a summer when he will spend £300m.
Yaya Toure admits he no longer plays how Manchester City fans want him to - but he was prepared to alter his game to save his Etihad career.
The Ivorian produced a remarkable turnaround by signing a new one-year deal at the end of last season - months after being exiled by Pep Guardiola.
Toure proved to be the only out of contract player to remain at the club in what has been a summer of significant change.
But back in September few would have banked on him sticking around beyond the turn of the year after being dropped from City’s Champions League squad and frozen out of the first team.
He would go on to apologise for his agent Dmitri Seluk’s public criticism of Guardiola - earning himself a recall and eventually establishing himself as a pivotal part of the City manager’s plans.
But he admits his role has had to change - meaning those marauding runs into the opposition box have been curtailed.
“To be honest I’ve not played how people like the fans want me to play,” said the 35-year-old. “But I’ve been here long enough to have achieved a lot of things.
“Now I’m playing the way the manager wants me to play.
“It’s only the manager that decides and he can do what he wants. He is the one to decide.”
Such has been Toure’s form since his recall that he is now the leading contender to start the season in the holding midfield role.
“People have been close to sending me off,” he added. “But I was not close to leaving.
Toure’s withdrawn role is a return to the one he played before his move to City from Barcelona in 2011.
And with Guardiola front-loading his team with so much attacking talent, the veteran has been forced to show discipline when his natural instincts are to burst forward.
But City captain Vincent Kompany is convinced he remains a priceless asset to the club.
“He is one of the most gifted players we’ve ever had at the club,” said the Belgian. “He’s one of very few players who can still dictate the tempo of a game.
“His passing is incredible and his physical ability too.
“He’s been good in training - it’s another important year for him - he’s such a great guy to have around.”
Toure will face competition from Fernandinho and potentially Ilkay Gundogan to play at the base of City’s midfield - but by the end of last season he had established himself as first choice.
Guardiola could yet move for another midfielder, with Fernando and Fabian Delph set to depart - but the City manager has prioritised defence and attack in a summer when he will spend £300m.
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