Guardiola States Matheus Nunes Lacks Cleverness For Midfield Position At Manchester City

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is working on transitioning Matheus Nunes into a right-back role, despite Nunes initially joining the team as a midfielder in August 2023. Guardiola believes Nunes lacks the necessary composure for midfield but sees potential in his physical attributes for defence. Since joining, Nunes has played 62 matches across all competitions, with recent games primarily in defence.

Nunes has started nine out of 14 league matches this season as a defender, including eight consecutive starts at right-back. In City's recent goalless draw against Manchester United, he continued in this position. Guardiola commented, "He [Nunes] can become a good right-back for his physicality." He added that while Nunes might not be suited for midfield due to a lack of composure, his skills and learning curve are impressive.

Guardiola highlighted the common mistake full-backs make by being inattentive during crosses to the far post. However, he praised Nunes for effectively defending against such plays, particularly when Bruno Fernandes attempted to cross to Patrick Dorgu. "He has the attention and the physicality to do it," Guardiola noted, emphasizing Nunes' potential to contribute significantly from this position.

With Kyle Walker on loan at AC Milan and potentially leaving permanently, Guardiola is focused on solidifying his defensive lineup. The club signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis in January. Khusanov's start has been inconsistent, having made an error leading to a goal. Meanwhile, Nunes averages 2.24 tackles and 0.95 interceptions per 90 minutes in the league this season.

Nunes ranks second and fourth among City players who have played more than twice this season in tackles and interceptions respectively. Guardiola expressed surprise at how well Nunes adapted to right-back: "When you start the season, if you said 'Matheus will play right-back' you would ask what I'm talking about." He praised the back four's performance against United, especially Rúben Dias.

The focus remains on building a strong defensive unit as City navigates through their current season challenges. With strategic adjustments like these, Guardiola aims to maintain City's competitive edge while adapting players like Nunes into new roles effectively.