Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov has spoken candidly about his early experiences at Manchester City, admitting his introduction to English football was far from smooth after his horrible mistakes against Chelsea in January 2025.
The 21-year-old centre-back arrived at the Etihad Stadium during a period of defensive uncertainty, with injuries forcing manager Pep Guardiola to turn to the young defender sooner than expected.
Thrust into the starting line-up, Khusanov endured a difficult opening to his full debut, conceding a goal within the first few minutes in a moment he has since acknowledged as a learning experience.
Despite that early setback, Manchester City recovered to secure a 3-1 victory, and Khusanov’s performance improved as the game progressed. Though substituted at half-time, the defender has since used that match as a foundation for his development rather than a defining failure.
“I stayed calm,” he said. “Before that match (against Chelsea), I hadn’t played for over a month and had only one training session with the team, so that may have had an impact.”
His honesty reflects a maturity beyond his years, and those within the club have recognised his ability to respond positively to adversity.
Since that difficult introduction, Khusanov has grown into a dependable figure in City’s defensive unit, earning praise from both Guardiola and assistant coach Pep Lijnders for his composure and physical attributes.
Support, patience and steady development
Khusanov was quick to highlight the role Guardiola has played in helping him settle into one of the most demanding teams in European football.
The City manager is known for his meticulous approach, and the defender revealed how that attention to detail has been central to his improvement.
“I’m very grateful to Pep,” the defender added. “He spent a lot of individual time with me, explaining every detail of the game. We’re working step by step – he doesn’t rush me and understands that I need time.”
That measured approach has allowed Khusanov to adapt gradually to the pace and intensity of the Premier League. While his debut may have exposed a lack of match sharpness, his subsequent performances have demonstrated a growing confidence and understanding of City’s tactical system.
Since joining from RC Lens for £33.5 million just over a year ago, Khusanov has made more than 30 appearances across all competitions.
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His progress has not gone unnoticed, particularly after a commanding display in a 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool, which further underlined his development.
Coaches within the club have praised not only his athleticism but also his willingness to learn — a key trait for any player operating under Guardiola’s demanding system.
Lijnders, in particular, has been vocal about the defender’s improvement, pointing to his ability to recover quickly from mistakes and maintain focus.
Away from the tactical and technical aspects of his game, Khusanov also spoke warmly about his experience at Manchester City and the connection he feels with the club’s supporters.
“I’m proud to play for this club,” he said. “City have incredible fans who support us both at home and away in big numbers. Wearing this shirt is a huge responsibility.
“Their support, of course, means a lot to us and I’d like to personally thank them; even in difficult moments, they are there. We truly appreciate it. We want to win even more trophies for them. And of course, my dream is for us to win the Champions League.”
