Pep Guardiola explains why Abdukodir Khusanov cannot be Manchester City’s full-time right-back | OneFootball

Abdukodir Khusanov is not Manchester City’s full-time solution to ongoing problems in the right-back position, manager Pep Guardiola has explained.

The right side of defence has remained a problem area for Guardiola’s squad since João Cancelo and Kyle Walker’s respective departures from the Etihad Stadium over the course of the last two seasons.

In response, Manchester City have used several alternatives, including deploying Matheus Nunes as a makeshift full-back and leaning on Rico Lewis, who – despite a new contract running until 2030 – brings some internal doubts about whether he can serve as the definitive answer in the long term.

As a result, Guardiola has experimented with different profiles in the role, most recently Abdukodir Khusanov, who was most recently tasked with covering the right-hand side in City’s emphatic 3-0 derby victory over Manchester United.

His athleticism and defensive solidity earned praise throughout the game but particularly from supporters, sparking fresh debate among fans about whether he could be relied upon in that position moving forward.

The club have also been linked with established right-backs in the transfer market over recent weeks such as Inter’s Denzel Dumfries and Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento. Guardiola, however, has continued to stress squad depth and flexibility are as important.

Speaking off the back of an exceptional performance from Khusanov during Manchester City’s derby day win over Manchester United, Pep Guardiola was asked whether the youngster is the answer to right-back issues.

“We have to play every three days; no human being can do that,” Guardiola explained as to why Khusanov cannot be the long-term and full-time right-back for the club this season.

The Manchester City head coach continued, “I know for his physicality, he’s so fast and closed that [right] side really well.

“[He didn’t] lose too many balls, sometimes his energy makes him make not the right decision. [Patrick] Dorgu is so fast and he has incredible speed. Today [Khusanov] was really good.”

Guardiola’s comments highlight City’s approach to rotation, especially during a season where they compete across multiple fronts. While Khusanov impressed in a high-pressure fixture, the manager is wary of relying heavily on one player to cover a position so physically demanding.

Looking ahead, the revelation suggests Manchester City may still move for a recognised right-back in the upcoming January or summer transfer markets in 2026, especially with Nunes’ long-term future at the Etihad still somewhat unclear.

In the meantime, Abdukodir Khusanov is likely to remain a valuable rotational option, capable of stepping into both central defence and right-back when required.