Pep Guardiola offers honest verdict on “important” Matheus Nunes at right-back for Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has openly discussed the qualities that Matheus Nunes brings to his side in the right-back role.

The Portugal international has been entrusted by his Etihad Stadium head coach on numerous occasions already this season, and particularly in high-profile, crunch contests for the reigning Premier League champions.

Kyle Walker’s exit on loan to AC Milan for the remainder of the season, in a deal that includes an option to buy, will only increase those opportunities for Nunes, who appears to be in a direct confrontation with Rico Lewis for the role.

And while his stint at right-back got off to a hugely difficult start in a 1-2 defeat to Manchester United, and a game in which Nunes gave away a late penalty as part of the visitors’ turnaround at the Etihad Stadium, he has continued to secure high praise from his manager.

Speaking to television broadcasters prior to Manchester City’s eventual 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League this week, Pep Guardiola insisted that Matheus Nunes brings unique traits to his side when operating from right-back.

“Getting better every game,” Guardiola responded when asked for his thoughts on Nunes’ showings in an unnatural role for the Portugal international.

He continued, “He has to adapt, but his physical condition, his pace is important against teams that have this pace.

“He’s a midfield player so with the ball he has the ability to play, so full confidence for how he performs lately.”

Manchester City will return to Premier League action this weekend and will be eager to bounce immediately back to winning ways following disappointment on the continent in midweek, as Chelsea visit the Etihad Stadium.

That contest then precedes an all-or-nothing meeting with Club Brugge back in UEFA Champions League action, as Club Brugge visit the north-west of England knowing that City need a win to book themselves a play-off place for the last-16 of the competition.