Pep Guardiola said that one of his fields was “not smart enough” to play it.
The boss of Manchester City admitted that Matheus Nunes did not have the “composure” required to play in the middle of the park, but thinks that he has a future in the right back.
Whether it is so brutally or not, it is an overwhelming accusation act against a star that City signed for 53 million pounds sterling in 2023 to play in the central midfielder.
Guardiola was speaking after City’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United in Old Trafford on Sunday, where Nunes again filled in the right back.
Nunes has been playing there since January after Kyle Walker revealed his desire to go before being sent on loan to AC Milan.
“He can become a good rear right for physicity,” said Guardiola. “I think he is not a player to play in the middle because he is not intelligent enough, in composure.
Matheus Nunes – A midfielder of 53 million pounds sterling – is not “intelligent enough” to play, says Pep Guardiola
He has been filled in the right back since January after Kyle Walker said he wanted to leave
Guardiola sees a future for Nunes on the right back and praised her Manchester derby performance
“He has incredible skills and he learns a lot; The files Longs always have a big mistake when a cross to the distant point where you are, they always sleep.
“And he defended two or three crosses by Bruno Fernandes, (Patrick) Dorgu very well. He has physicality to do so, he can play this position and he has helped a lot.
“When we started the season and I say that we are going to play Matheus on the right back, Nico (O’Reilly) rear left, you would say to me:” What are you talking about? “”
Nunes certainly had a better Manchester derby this time in December.
The Portuguese offered the ball to Amad Diallo before cutting it into the box to give a penalty, Bruno Fernandes converting before Diallo marks to give United a 2-1 victory.
Rico Lewis is the only natural right back on the left in the squad and was turned with bonds.
Nunes was a public service player this season for City, playing in the midfield, the two rear positions, the left midfielder and the left.
Earlier this season, he insisted that he could fill the hole in the midfield left by Rodri’s long -term injury, but he only played in the middle of the park since then.
Nunes made two big mistakes in the defeat of the City derby in December (when he played on the left and back right)
“At Wolves, I played more as an addicted and last year here, I played more in 10, but when I played for sport, I have always played double pivot, so I’m used to each position now,” he said.
“I try to help the team each time the coach puts me on the field, but I know that the other guys are all ready too because we have so much quality in the team.
“We will have to fill the void because it is a massive loss, but whoever is on the ground will work well.
“We have shown that if a player is out, we have another who is ready and has the superior 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.