Nico explains what he’s learning from Guardiola and Rodri | OneFootball

Nico says he’s improved a lot under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.

The Spanish midfielder joined City in February and has since played 27 times across all competitions.

Primarily starting in a holding role, Nico is well placed to learn from Guardiola, who also played as a defensive midfielder.

City's travelling squad for Villarreal clash

Having developed the likes of Sergio Busquets and Rodri during his iconic coaching career, our boss also has extensive experience of passing his knowledge of the role on.

Guardiola often praises Nico for his attitude and willingness to take on new information.

Still just 23, Nico says he’s taking every opportunity he can to learn from Guardiola.

“It’s really nice but it’s hard. You have to improve, he wants the best from everyone. That's why he is the best,” he said in our pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Villarreal.

“That's been good for me. I have improved a lot. And that's why I play football, to be the best I can and I think I am doing a good job.

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“He is really intense and he tries to show you what you have to do better. But then after he explains everything, you keep thinking about everything and how you can improve. And even now I still think about them when I go to the pitch.

“What he asks, I was asked before. I played at Barcelona and it is similar. But there are details and you are looking for improvement.

“The main idea, I think I already understood before coming here and that helped me to get used to playing here.”

Asked for specifics on what Guardiola tries to advise the No.14 on, Nico said: “Many things. For example, when to move.

“As a midfielder you have to run a lot but do it in the right moment. That is what I have been working on with him. That’s maybe the most important thing.

"When I talk to him, he says I can keep the ball and play but the moment I move it is important too.”

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With Rodri having won the Ballon d’Or while playing at the base of midfield, Nico is surrounded by experts on the position.

“Every game,” said Nico when asked if he ever goes to Rodri for tips.

“The last game at half-time he gave me advice about what he saw. He knows a lot about what I should do in that position.

“He is one of the captains and that is a really important role. He tries to guide us, especially the young players.

“He tries to help us understand better the way we want to play.”