Pep Guardiola hints at ‘temporary’ right-back solution in Manchester City squad amid ongoing ‘problems’ | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has openly discussed his go-to strategy in recent matches of deploying Matheus Nunes in the starting right-back role.

The Premier League champions were struck by significant change in the defensive ranks during the January transfer window both in the way of arrivals and departures from the first-team squad.

After seven and a half seasons at the Etihad Stadium, Kyle Walker deemed it the right time to bring an end to his stay at Manchester City by pushing through an exit and joining AC Milan on loan until the end of the campaign with an option to buy.

In turn, City brought in two new defensive stars to firm up their rearguard as Vitor Reis joined from Palmeiras in a deal worth around £30 million, while Abdukodir Khusanov arrived from RC Lens in a €40 million agreement.

But with the right-back role depleted, Guardiola has turned to Matheus Nunes as a new option, as the Portugal international goes through a mixed patch of form in the position, offering plenty in the way of offensive talent but shaky moments when heading towards his own goal.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on the subject of Nunes featuring as a right-back for his Manchester City side lately, and whether the Portuguese midfielder taking on the role is only a ‘temporary’ solution.

“Well, it could be temporary, but of course for the problems that we have, he has something, pace, that we don’t have,” Guardiola explained.

“And it’s not his natural position, but he’s a player that is starting to make (progress) a lot and he helped us offensively and defensively as well.

“In some departments he’s helping us and learning a lot, and he’s a potential for the pace he has, he can play in the sides, absolutely he can do it.”

Guardiola was further asked about the courage that has been shown by the Manchester City midfielder to take on the right-back position in some difficult contests, to which he responded, “I would say that Matheus, like all the players, wants to play.

“It doesn’t matter which position, but of course every player has his own position that he feels more comfortable. But I’m not complaining about that.”

It remains to be seen what the future holds for the likes of Rico Lewis in particular in light of Matheus Nunes’ rise into the position of right-back at Manchester City, and whether Pep Guardiola could look to reposition the Academy graduate further forward in midfield.