Yaya Toure urges Manchester City team-mates not to be distracted by praise after Feyenoord victory extends winning streak to 17 matches: 'We have to keep focused'

  • Yaya Toure was handed a rare start by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola
  • The 34-year-old featured in only his fifth match of the season on Tuesday night
  • The midfielder helped City to a 1-0 win over Feyenoord in the Champions League
  • City secured top spot in Group F but Toure insisted they must be 'careful'
  • The midfielder claimed he is not concerned by his lack of playing time

Yaya Toure has insisted Manchester City must not let the praise they have received for their dominant start to the season distract them.

City, who are unbeaten this season, extended their winning streak to 17 after Raheem Sterling secured a 1-0 victory over Feyenoord on Tuesday, which also solidified top spot in their Champions League group.

City continued their rampant form by opening up a six point lead over Shakhtar Donetsk in Group F with the win, which they have matched on the domestic front where they are eight points clear at the of the Premier League.

Yaya Toure made only his fifth appearance for Manchester City this season against Feyenoord

Yaya Toure made only his fifth appearance for Manchester City this season against Feyenoord

'It is very important to keep the confidence going,' said the 34-year-old, who made only his fifth appearance of the season against the Dutch champions at the Etihad Stadium.


'But we have to be careful because in these circumstances we have to keep focused. 

'What I learned, when I was in Barcelona in 2009, was we don't listen to any newspaper because you could think you are one of the best and after that get a strong team who destroy you.

'We have good team dynamics. I love it and the manager loves it.'

The 34-year-old played 75 minutes before being substituted for teenager Phil Foden (left)

The 34-year-old played 75 minutes before being substituted for teenager Phil Foden (left)

With a place in the last 16 already assured, Toure came into the team as one of seven changes made by manager Pep Guardiola. 

While an expected victory was eventually obtained, Guardiola had to wait until the 88th-minute for it to come, as Raheem Sterling snatched the victory.

'To be honest we didn't have anything to play (for) today, it was like, try to sit back, make a good counter-attack,' Toure added.

'I think we found (them) quite a difficult team. Of course we scored the last goal in the last minute but I think, in my opinion, we should have scored earlier. We had a couple of chances in the first half.'

Toure urged his team-mates they must be careful not to be distracted by praise from the media and insisted he is happy with his role at Pep Guardiola's City despite a lack of game time

Toure urged his team-mates they must be careful not to be distracted by praise from the media and insisted he is happy with his role at Pep Guardiola's City despite a lack of game time

Toure, having been one of the driving forces of City's successes since joining the club in 2010, has been more of a background operator for City in recent times, which the midfielder insists the situation is not bothering him.

'You want me to play? Tell the manager. Look at my face. Do you think I am frustrated? Am I enjoying? Of course,' he said.

'(If) I am frustrated, think what I would do. I would say to the manager I don't want to be on the bench and I want to go home.' 

Toure was praised for his performance but was subbed before Raheem Sterling's winner

Toure was praised for his performance but was subbed before Raheem Sterling's winner