Guardiola praised Matheus Nunes after the Portuguese midfielder’s stoppage-time goal secured Manchester City a vital 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, describing him as “incredibly loved” in the dressing room and praising his adaptability in an unfamiliar role.
Matheus Nunes was the hero at the Etihad Stadium, scoring a 94th-minute winner to lift Manchester City into third place in the Premier League and boost their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Pep Guardiola praised Nunes in his post-match press conference. “He’s a person who is incredibly loved. When he talks in the media it’s always serious but in the locker room he’s the complete opposite, always laughing."
“He’s playing not in a natural position, like Nico. If you told me at the beginning of the season you are going to play at the end of the season to reach a final and to fight to qualify for the Champions League with Matheus and Nico at full-back I would say what are you talking about."
“He has done well, has incredible pace and is a different type of player to Rico.In the small spaces, Rico is so clean the way he plays. [Nunes’s] physicality, when he has to run, and hold good wingers he is able to do it and he’s playing better," concluded Guardiola.