Manchester United was hosted for the second derby of the season 2024-25 Manchester City on match day 31. In a match where visitors struggled to find precision in the last third, manager, manager Pep Guardiola Did not hold back when he assessed his range –Specifically calls a player like ‘Not smart enough“To play in the midfield.
In a game that lacked excitement from both sides, the city’s possession controlled but failed to generate consistent attacking threats. After the match, Guardiola was asked about midfielder Matheus Nunes, who played in the right back position. The manager gave a sincere evaluation:
“He can be a good back for his physics. I think he is not a player to play in the middle because he is not smart enough“Said Guardiola.”He has incredible skills and he learns a lot. Fullbacks always has a big mistake when it comes to cross to the distance – they always sleep. He defended really well on two or three of them, like those like Bruno (Fernandes) introduce. He can play in that position. He helps us a lot. “
Guardiola also explained how injuries have forced the club to experiment with various defensive arrangements. “When we started the season and you say I would play Matheus on my right back and Nico (O’Riley) In a deeper role I would say, ‘What are you talking about?‘But the season is what it is,“Guardiola continued.”Now Manuel Akji Coming back. We have two young center slopes, and the last two games, the rear four have been excellent. “
With Kyle Walker Now at AC Milan and Akanji who only return from injury, Nunes has become Guardiola’s go-to options on the right back-fäven if he remains ongoing work. Against United, He spoke 80 hand, a eavesdropping, a foul and lost possession 12 times.
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Protective first noted Nunes in 2022 while the Portuguese midfielder was still on Sports. Although City crossed a 5-0 victory in the Champions League collision, Nunes left a strong impression on the Spanish boss, which boldly explained at that time: “He is one of the best players in the world right now. “
But after CityS 62 million euros signing Nunes From Wolverhampton 2023, Guardiola admitted that he may have been removed: “Maybe I exaggerate a bit when I said Matheus Nunes was one of the best players in the world. He is a very good player. Maybe I said it after a 5-1 victory. I don’t remember the exact point. But he is an exceptional player. “
Despite praise, Nunes has struggled to completely adapt to Guardiola’s system. While his ball -bearing ability stands out, his efficiency in confined spaces has not yet matched the club’s expectations. Guardiola is now working to transform the 25-year-old into a reliable right-back option– A capable of cutting out a more consistent role in City’s start XI.
