Manchester City’s esteemed manager, Pep Guardiola, has candidly expressed his views on Matheus Nunes, stating that the 26-year-old Brazilian is “not clever enough” to anchor the midfield. Historically, Nunes has shown versatility on the field, with several appearances in midfield last season. However, due to Kyle Walker’s recent loan transition to AC Milan, Guardiola has opted to frequently position Nunes at right-back in the current season. This shift marks a significant alteration in Nunes’ role within the team and raises questions about his future contributions in the midfield.
Despite having showcased moments of skill and potential in the middle of the park, Guardiola has made it clear that a return to midfield for Nunes seems unlikely. The main concern appears to stem from the manager’s belief that Nunes lacks the necessary “composure” required for the role. Speaking on the topic, Guardiola remarked, “I think he’s not a player to play in midfield because he’s not clever enough, in the composure, but he has incredible skills and he’s learning a lot.” This statement underscores his assessment of Nunes as a developing player with potential, albeit perhaps not suited for a central role.
In a recent matchup, specifically the Manchester derby which ended in a goalless draw, Guardiola took the opportunity to review Nunes’ performance. He pointed out some common pitfalls of full-backs, emphasizing their tendency to become complacent when it comes to tracking crosses to the far post. Remarkably, he noted that Nunes successfully defended against two or three critical crosses during the match, including a noteworthy moment involving Bruno Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu. Guardiola stated, “He has the attention and the physicality to do it, so he can play in that position and help us a lot.” This praise hints at Nunes’ adaptability and potential effectiveness in his new role on the right flank.
Guardiola’s surprise at Nunes’ shift from midfield to defense reflects the nature of football where player roles can often evolve based on team needs and tactical considerations. The City manager remarked, “When you start the season, if you said ‘Matheus will play right-back’ you would ask what I’m talking about.” His admission highlights the dynamic nature of team strategies and player deployment within top-flight football.
Moreover, Guardiola also commended his defensive unit following a strong performance in the Manchester derby, noting players like Ruben Dias for their contributions. The synergy of the back four was praised as being excellent during the match, indicating that the team is finding stability in this new formation, even with players shifting locations on the pitch.
In conclusion, Matheus Nunes’ ongoing transformation from a midfield role to that of a right-back under Pep Guardiola’s management showcases the tactical flexibility that top clubs must adopt. While the Spaniard notes concerns regarding Nunes’ composure in midfield, he also recognizes the Brazilian’s impressive defensive attributes and potential contributions on the flank. As Manchester City continues to navigate fixtures in the Premier League and European competitions, this shift in Nunes’ responsibilities could prove to be a crucial component of their tactical setup moving forward. With the challenges ahead, such adaptability in player roles will be key to maintaining competitiveness on multiple fronts, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League, available for viewing on platforms like TNT Sports and discovery+.