From Midfield to Full-Back: Nunes Opens Up on Positional Switch
Matheus Nunes has revealed that his Manchester City teammates played a key role in persuading him to embrace a new position. The midfielder, who arrived at the Etihad in 2023, initially had little enthusiasm for the idea of playing in defence. But according to Nunes, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias were instrumental in changing his mind.
"I'm Not a Full-Back"
Nunes admitted he was resistant to the idea at first, telling his friends repeatedly that he was not a full-back. "I would tell my friends all the time, I'm not a full-back, I'm not a full-back," he said. The persistence of Bernardo and Dias, however, wore him down. "The teammates, Bernardo and Ruben, were so annoying all the time as well, they were in my head constantly as well," Nunes explained. "You were good there, you were good there. You need to accept it."
Eventually, Nunes began to listen. The turning point came when he started playing regularly at right-back and saw how Pep Guardiola responded. That reaction helped shift his perspective on the role.
Establishing Himself Under Maresca
Now, under Enzo Maresca, Nunes has quickly established himself. His performances have caught the eye, not least in the recent derby win at Old Trafford, where he carried the ball 150 metres from 14 carries. It was a display that underlined his growing comfort in the position.
Away from football, Nunes has a family connection to Sunderland: his stepfather supports the Black Cats and holds a season ticket at the Stadium of Light. Nunes's full interview is available via the Manchester Evening News.