- Matheus Nunes backs City in title race
- Portuguese midfielder praises experienced squad
- Pep Guardiola’s influence highlighted ahead of key fixtures
Matheus Nunes believes Manchester City still have the experience and mentality required to win major trophies this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side remain locked in a tight battle against Arsenal as both teams are tied on points and goal difference.
Luckily for Guardiola, his squad scored three more goals throughout the season, which was also reflected in the EA Sports Premier League team of the season.
Today, the Citizens face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals. The Carabao Cup winners are active in only two competitions and are looking forward to winning that treble.
The pressure is high, but City also have an experienced squad who have previously delivered in such situations. As Matheus Nunes points out, this expertise could prove decisive.
Matheus Nunes backs Man City’s experience in title race
Sitting down with ESPN, City midfielder and right-back Nunes pointed out that experience should help the players get through this cutthroat phase of the competition.
The Portuguese international also mentioned the players’ mentality, as the margin for error is low when you are playing for a big club.
“I think when the big players need to step up in these kinds of moments, City always had these players who have these moments and experience in this kind of phase of the competitions,” Nunes said.
“They don’t like to lose. It’s basically that. If you play ping pong, you’re not going to enjoy losing. You know what I mean?”
“And that’s why they are here, because if they were tired of winning, they would have gone somewhere else. And then the club has massive standards, so you need to be aware that you either win or you win.”
Nunes praises Pep Guardiola
Every player who has played under Pep Guardiola has been outspoken about the manager. For Nunes, it has been a pretty transforming City career. Following Kyle Walker’s departure, the midfielder has stepped in to cover the right-back position and has succeeded functionally.
Obviously, this change would have been doubtful in Guardiola’s absence. Nevertheless, the right-back also praised the confidence his manager gives him, apart from the usual learning.
“I think the main thing he gives us is clarity,” Nunes added about about Guardiola.
Man City are stuck in a fixture crunch
While experience might prove decisive for City this season, they’ll also be hoping for some luck, considering the fixture crunch.
The Citizens face Southampton today in the FA Cup semi-final and will then immediately face Everton on Monday.
Both clashes are important as losing in either means no treble this season. With the likes of Rodri, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol injured, any more interference in the squad might prove even more decisive than experience.
