Pep Guardiola has jaw-droppingly claimed that one of his midfielders is ‘not clever enough’ to play there.
The Manchester City boss admitted that Matheus Nunes lacks the requisite ‘composure’ to play in the middle of the park, but thinks he has a future at right-back.
Whether intended so brutally or not, it is a damning indictment against a star who City signed for £53million in 2023 to play in central midfield.
Guardiola was speaking after City’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, where Nunes once again filled in at right-back.
Nunes has been playing there ever since January after Kyle Walker revealed his desire to leave before being sent on loan to AC Milan.
‘He can become a good right-back for the physicality,’ said Guardiola. ‘I think he’s not a player to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough, in composure.
Matheus Nunes – a £53m midfielder – is ‘not clever enough’ to play there, says Pep Guardiola
He has been filling in at right-back since January after Kyle Walker said he wanted to leave
Guardiola sees a future for Nunes at right-back and praised his Manchester derby performance
Nunes has been a utility player this season for City, playing in centre midfield, both full-back positions, left midfield, and left wing.
Earlier this season, he insisted he could fill the hole in midfield left by Rodri’s long-term injury, but he has only played in the middle of the park since then.
Nunes made two big errors in City’s derby defeat in December (when he played left-back and right-back)
‘I try to help the team every time the coach puts me on the field but I know the other guys are all ready as well because we have so much quality in the team.
‘We’re going to have to fill the void because it’s a massive loss but whoever is on the pitch is going to perform well.
‘We have shown that if any player is out we have another one that is ready and has top quality to play.
‘Last year it happened with Erling and Kevin and we still managed to win. This year, I know we will be the same.’