‘Great inspiration’… Man City fans absolutely love what Abdukodir Khusanov has just done on international duty
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Abdukodir Khusanov has experienced a tough start to life at Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s team experienced a tough 2024/25 campaign as City went from winning four Premier League titles in a row to ending the season without a trophy for the first time since 2017.
The main reason for this was Man City resting on their laurels last summer and not strengthening their squad significantly, while Rodri’s long-term injury did not help.
As a result, Khusanov was one of four signings Guardiola saw added to his squad in January, and given the circumstances, the youngster was thrown into the deep end and suffered as a result.
However, the centre-back has been enjoying a better time away with Uzbekistan, with the 21-year-old helping his nation achieve something for the first time.
Man City fans react as Uzbekistan qualify for the World Cup
Uzbekistan played out a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, and the point was enough to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer.
This is the first time the Uzbekistan national team have achieved the feat, and Man City fans have been reacting to the news as they are all delighted for Khusanov.
One Man City fan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “I feel so happy for Khus, and his country. Great inspiration for Asian teams and players. Hope subcontinent countries and players strive for such glory.”
Aw yea, we gonna see Kushanov locking up attackers in the world stage. Now we just need Norway to qualify too
— Bigamoeba (@Bigamoeba1) June 5, 2025
View Tweet
Another City fan would add: “Congrats. This will mean a lot for Khusanov’s confidence and experience.”
Absolutely awesome news ✨
— BasedMike (@KusamaMike) June 5, 2025
View Tweet
While a third Man City fan would comment on the news by saying: “This is why we’re the biggest club in the world! Khusanov at his age, carries the Uzbekistan national team to a first-ever FIFA WC appearance. That’s football heritage!!”
WOW!! amazing, congratulations Khusa!!
— Adil Shaikh (@AdilSha41002424) June 5, 2025
View Tweet
Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak knows the talent Khusanov has and has expressed the excitement he has for the centre-back’s future in Manchester.
Roy Keane has also shown sympathy for Khusanov after his difficult start to life in Manchester, as there are several reasons why the 21-year-old has struggled.
The reasons Abdukodir Khusanov has struggled at Man City
Khusanov did not feature in any of Man City’s last nine Premier League matches as Guardiola decided to allow the 21-year-old to settle and learn what is expected of him ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The defender experienced a tough start to life in Manchester, and last month, it was reported why Khusanov has struggled at Man City.
First of all, the youngster had to move to a new country and doesn’t speak the language, which will always make things difficult. In addition to this, the centre-back hadn’t trained for a whole month before moving to the Etihad Stadium.
This was a result of a winter break in France and then not being part of Lens teams as his transfer to Man City edged closer. The Uzbekistan international was said to have had one proper session before his tough debut against Chelsea, in which he recovered exceptionally well after a tricky start.
In addition to this, Nico O’Reilly’s emergence at left back and Josko Gvardiol forming his strong partnership with Ruben Dias has resulted in Guardiola sticking with a back four that he is comfortable with, which in turn has affected Khusanov’s minutes.
A solid pre-season will do the youngster the world of good ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as the best is yet to come from the 21-year-old.
Source
Leave a Reply