Matheus Nunes offers honest thoughts on new Manchester City role | OneFootball

Manchester City’s converted midfielder Matheus Nunes has opened up on his new-found role at right-back under Pep Guardiola.

The Portugal international has become one of the more intriguing tactical adaptations in Guardiola’s squad this season, with City continuing to navigate life after Kyle Walker’s departure and ongoing uncertainty around the longer-term solution in the position.

Rather than moving immediately into the transfer market, the Manchester City manager has once again leaned into positional flexibility, trusting technically gifted players to reinterpret the role.

Matheus Nunes’ transition has come at a crucial point with the fixture calendar demanding and City competing across multiple fronts, as Guardiola requires reliability, athleticism, and tactical intelligence from his full-backs – attributes that have allowed Nunes to emerge as the first-choice option.

While City continue to monitor external options such as Tino Livramento and several European prospects, performances from within the squad have given Pep Guardiola and sporting director Hugo Viana the luxury of time when it comes to recruitment decisions.

Speaking during a new interview with ManCity.com, Matheus Nunes was quizzed for his thoughts on his new consistent role at right-back for the club.

“I enjoy it. In a football perspective, it’s so different to playing in midfield. Nowadays, I think it’s one of the hardest positions to play because you face the best players in every team as a full-back,” said Nunes.

The Portugal international continued, “The defensive work I need to do now is so much different compared to the work I needed to do as a midfielder. That’s something I really enjoy – the difference.

“I have to be focused all the time, I have to be looking at the line, cover support to the wing and also cover the centre-backs. As a full-back here, I can play wide, in the pocket, in centre-back or as a holding midfielder – this variety is something I enjoy and appreciate.

“It also makes me grow even more. Things can change during the game and there’s a lot of things that are different compared to playing as a midfielder. I enjoy it.”

Matheus Nunes’ comments underline why Pep Guardiola has trusted him in such a demanding role. The modern full-back at City is required to defend one-on-one, invert into midfield, and provide structural balance when attacking.

However, questions remain over whether the 27-year-old represents a long-term solution or a high-level stopgap. City’s recruitment staff continue to explore the market, and Guardiola has previously stressed the physical toll of playing every three days in such a position.

Looking ahead, Matheus Nunes’ development could significantly influence Manchester City’s next move. If his performances continue at their current level, the club may feel less pressure to invest immediately, instead targeting the right profile at the right moment.

Either way, Pep Guardiola’s latest tactical evolution has once again highlighted Manchester City’s ability to find solutions internally while keeping future options firmly open.