“I couldn’t imagine” – Nico Gonzalez opens up on Manchester City development under Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Manchester City’s current go-to defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez has opened up on his development under Pep Guardiola since arriving from FC Porto in January.

Since making the mid-season move to the Etihad Stadium last campaign, Gonzalez has quickly become one of the most trusted figures in Pep Guardiola’s rotational midfield structure, particularly given the ongoing injury recovery of Rodri.

His rise has been notable not only for the speed of adaptation but also for how seamlessly he has fitted into one of the most demanding tactical environments in world football. The Spaniard has already featured heavily across major matches, highlighting the faith shown in him by Guardiola and coaching staff.

Gonzalez arrived in Manchester with a reputation for technical control and intelligence in possession, traits that align naturally with Pep Guardiola’s midfield blueprint. However, his progression over the last several months has been driven by a steep learning curve that has required rapid improvements in physicality, positional awareness, and tactical flexibility.

Most recently, the 23-year-old has become a central figure in Manchester City’s defensive transitions and build-up play, earning praise from supporters and analysts alike – but mainly from his head coach.

Speaking to Manchester City’s official club website, Nico Gonzalez glowed with praise for Pep Guardiola and the Etihad Stadium head coach’s personal development training for the Spanish midfielder during his time at the club to date.

“I think Pep is the coach who has improved me the most. And not just me, but all the players that I see – many of us have come through and you can see the progression,” Gonzalez admitted.

“He’s incredible, especially because he makes you understand the things you do, which I think is important,” he continued. “He gives you instructions, he explains why, and he teaches you the reason.

“[In terms of adapting to the Premier League] The truth is that it has been an experience, and it has been an incredible experience. I couldn’t imagine being in this situation right now. I have learned a lot.

“I think I have improved a lot in many concepts, physically, tactically, in every way. Competing in this league every three days, as we are doing, requires you to improve and adapt and grow in every way.”

Looking ahead, Nico Gonzalez’s trajectory suggests he could become one of the defining midfielders of Pep Guardiola’s next cycle at the club, and perhaps beyond the Catalan coach.

With Manchester City continuing to evolve structurally and tactically, the Spaniard is well placed to cement his place as the long-term successor to Rodri in the deepest midfield role, or even operate in more advanced positions as his game expands.

There also remains the possibility that his influence grows further in European competition, where Manchester City increasingly rely on midfield control in high-stakes fixtures. If Gonzalez continues on his current path, the 2026/27 season could see him emerge not only as a guaranteed starter but as a new leadership figure within the squad.