Nico: Pep has already had a huge impact on my career | OneFootball

Nico says the impact of working under City boss Pep Guardiola for the past 10 months has already had a profound impact on his career.

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Having made the move to City from FC Porto late last January, the Spanish midfielder has gone from strength to strength.

After spending the second half of last term settling into life at City, the 23-year-old has become a key figure for the Blues this term, all the more so with Rodri having been unavailable for the majority of the season to date due to injury.

Ahead of Sunderland’s visit to the Etihad on Saturday, Nico has featured in 20 games for City across all competitions, making a huge impression in the key holding midfield position.

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And reflecting on both his progress to date and how he has adapted to the life in the Premier League, Nico highlighted the key role played by Guardiola – himself a former world class holding midfielder – in aiding his development.

“I think Pep is the coach who has improved me the most,” the Spaniard revealed.

“And not just me, but all the players that I see – many of us have come through and you can see the progression.

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“He’s incredible, especially because he makes you understand the things you do, which I think is important.

“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.

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“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.”

Such has been Nico’s impact and importance, he has started in City’s last five Premier League outings, finding the target in last month’s impressive 3-0 win over reigning champions Liverpool.

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For his part, Nico says accruing so many match minutes and becoming such a key part of Guardiola’s squad has only helped further build his confidence and belief.

“Well, I feel pressure to win and, in the end, it’s about doing everything possible – every player – to try to win and to help your teammates to be able to win together,” Nico added.

“But to be honest, the more I play and the better I feel, the less pressure I feel.

“In the end, when you do something over and over again and it works, you start to get more confidence and, in the end, you know that you can do what you’re doing every three days, every four days, like I’m doing.

“And right now, I feel more confident and more calm, even more relaxed – I know I know what I have to do, and I know I can do it well.

“And in the end that makes me enjoy football a lot more.”

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Limited City v Sunderland tickets available

Limited tickets remain for qualifying members for City’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 6 December.

Sitting second in the table, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to keep pressure on league leaders Arsenal as we approach the halfway point of the campaign.

The newly promoted Black Cats will provide a stern test having enjoyed a fabulous return to the top-flight so far.

This is in fact the first Etihad meeting between the sides since Pep’s very first game in charge of City all the way back in 2016!

Get your seats now!

Buy tickets here