Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku has conceded he is still searching for form, claiming “pre-season doesn’t exist anymore” as the Premier League champions struggle for rhythm at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Speaking on international duty with Belgium, where he has reunited with ex-City captain Kevin De Bruyne, Doku said the team’s extended Club World Cup run into July left players short of preparation time. City have taken just three points from their opening three matches, beating Wolves but losing to Tottenham and Brighton.
“I’m not the best version of myself yet,” Doku told Het Nieuwsblad. “For us players, good pre-season simply doesn’t exist anymore. We get three weeks off and have to be ready again. It takes time to get back on track as a team.”
Why City’s Pre-Season Was Cut Short
City’s season ran until 1 July, when they faced Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup. With only three weeks off before reporting back on 28 July, Guardiola’s side had little time to reset physically or tactically.
The result has been sluggish performances and a lack of sharpness in attack — with Doku yet to register a goal or assist in three matches.
Doku on Kevin De Bruyne Reunion
The 22-year-old also reflected on reuniting with Kevin De Bruyne, now at Napoli:
“It’s strange to see Kevin again. I used to see him every day at Man City. Only, he’ll be my opponent when we face Napoli in the Champions League.” — Jérémy Doku, via Het Nieuwsblad
The two will face each other in Europe later this year in one of the most anticipated group stage ties.
Jérémy Doku Stats Snapshot (2025/26 So Far)
| Stat (2025/26) | Jérémy Doku |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 3 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Chances Created | 2 |
source: sofascore match data – 2 September 2025
City’s struggles underline the winger’s frustrations: creativity and sharpness are still missing from his game after a rushed summer.
Analyst Verdict — John William
Doku’s candour highlights a growing issue for elite clubs: congested schedules erode recovery time and diminish pre-season planning. City’s dip in form reflects a team still searching for intensity and cohesion after a draining year.
From a tactical standpoint, Doku remains vital for Guardiola — his direct running stretches defences and creates space for Erling Haaland. But until his sharpness returns, City risk looking predictable. The international break may provide the “oxygen” he needs before the season ramps up again.
Key Insights
- Doku: “Pre-season doesn’t exist anymore” after City’s short break.
- Belgian winger admits he is not yet the “best version” of himself.
- City lost to Tottenham and Brighton after Club World Cup schedule.
- Kevin De Bruyne reunion with Napoli adds extra Champions League narrative.
- Pep Guardiola “still passionate” and pushing for turnaround.
What’s Next for Doku and City?
Doku will feature for Belgium in World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan before returning to Manchester. City’s immediate priority is to stabilise results, with Guardiola keen to spark a response after back-to-back defeats.
The Manchester derby in late September looms large, and Doku’s recovery of rhythm could be decisive. For now, City must manage fatigue and find intensity quickly if they are to stay on track in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Will Jérémy Doku rediscover his best form in time to fire Manchester City back into the title race?
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