Pep Guardiola’s Surprising Tactical Shift: Matheus Nunes’ New Role at Manchester City
In the ever-evolving world of football, where strategies and player roles are constantly being redefined, Pep Guardiola has once again made headlines with his latest tactical decision. The Manchester City manager, known for his innovative approach to the game, has decided to transition Matheus Nunes from his traditional midfield role to a right-back position. This move comes after Guardiola’s candid admission that Nunes is “not clever enough” to play in midfield, a statement that has sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike.
Matheus Nunes, a 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder, joined Manchester City from Wolves in August 2023. The transfer, valued at £53 million ($70m), was initially seen as a strategic move to fill the void left by Ilkay Gündogan. Since his arrival at the Etihad, Nunes has made 62 appearances for the reigning Premier League champions, predominantly in the midfield. However, Guardiola’s recent comments suggest a significant shift in Nunes’ career trajectory.
Guardiola’s search for a reliable right-back has been ongoing since Kyle Walker’s loan move to AC Milan in January. In this context, Nunes’ deployment as a full-back during City’s recent 0-0 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford has raised eyebrows. Guardiola’s post-match comments were particularly revealing, as he highlighted Nunes’ physical attributes as a key factor in his potential success as a defender.
“He [Nunes] can become a good right-back for his physicality,” Guardiola told reporters at Old Trafford. “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.”
Guardiola further elaborated on the challenges faced by full-backs, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail in defensive situations. “The big mistake of full-backs is when you have the cross to the far post where you are, they are always sleeping,” he noted. “But he defended really well two or three crosses, like when Bruno [Fernandes] put it to the far post for [Patrick] Dorgu.”
Despite the initial surprise surrounding Nunes’ new role, Guardiola expressed confidence in the player’s ability to adapt and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts. “He has the attention and the physicality to do it, so he can play in that position and help us a lot,” Guardiola added.
Interestingly, City had signed defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis during the January transfer window, yet Nunes has been preferred in the starting lineup in recent weeks. This decision underscores Guardiola’s belief in Nunes’ potential as a right-back, even if it defies conventional expectations.
Guardiola’s tactical flexibility is well-documented, and his willingness to experiment with player positions is a hallmark of his managerial style. Reflecting on the unexpected nature of Nunes’ transition, Guardiola remarked, “When you start the season, if you said ‘Matheus will play right-back’ you would ask what I’m talking about. But it is what it is. The back four was excellent [against United]. Rúben [Dias] was incredible. So we build from that.”
- Matheus Nunes joined Manchester City from Wolves in August 2023 for £53 million ($70m).
- He has made 62 appearances for the club, primarily in midfield.
- Guardiola has shifted Nunes to a right-back role, citing his physicality and defensive skills.
- Kyle Walker’s loan move to AC Milan in January left a gap in City’s defense.
- Despite signing new defenders, Nunes has been preferred in recent matches.
As the football world continues to debate Guardiola’s decision, one thing is clear: Matheus Nunes’ journey at Manchester City is taking an unexpected turn. Whether this experiment proves successful remains to be seen, but it certainly adds another layer of intrigue to Guardiola’s tenure at the club. For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Nunes adapts to his new role and whether he can become the reliable right-back that City needs.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
