Pep Guardiola has laughed over his comments that Matheus Nunes is “one of the best players in the world”.
Guardiola retracted his statement made on Feb 15, 2022, when he lauded the player after Manchester City smashed Sporting 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League.
Nunes was a player of Sporting and after the game, Pep Guardiola had great words to say about the Portuguese.
The Spaniard said: “Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today. Despite the difficulties and some mistakes, I have to be very satisfied because we took a big step towards the next round. Nunes is one of the best at the moment.”
Pep Guardiola changes his stance on Matheus Nunes
However, following his side’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, September 23, 2023, Guardiola jokingly backtracked on his assertion.
The former Bayern Munich manager expressed that he had “exaggerated a little bit” indicating that he possibly said it due to the spur of the moment.
Speaking with the media after the encounter, Pep Guardiola said:
“‘Maybe I over-exaggerated a little bit. He’s not. He’s a really good player but sometimes… Maybe I said this comment after we won 5-0.
However, he also lauded Matheus Nunes, saying that the 25-year-old is an “exceptional player”.
Nunes assisted Erling Haaland for Manchester City’s second goal on Saturday, September 23, 2023, with a nice cross delivered on a plate for the Norwegian.
He joined Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 1, 2023, for a fee of €62 million.
The Portuguese has made 3 appearances for Manchester City, scoring no goal and providing 1 assist across all competitions.
Nunes must improve in certain parts of his game
Pep Guardiola has previously admitted on September 16, 2023, that Matheus Nunes must improve in certain areas of his game for him to be considered in his starting 11.
The 52-year-old noted Nunes’ versatility, but said that the midfielder’s “decision-making and precision” must improve.
Guardiola said: “He can play in holding midfield, he can play in attacking midfield, with time he could play at full-back with his physicality.
“I think he has to improve in the first contact and decisions with one touch. I think it’s not precise enough.”
Matheus Nunes made 39 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist.
The Portugal international moved to England on August 18, 2022, joining Wolves from Sporting for a fee of €45 million.
Some fans have also shared their reaction to his comments with one hilariously saying:
“Pep had post nut clarity”.
Another commented that Matheus Nunes was about to suffer the same fate as Kalvin Philips.
One fan also made an x-rated comment, writing: “Nunes will be loaned out soon enough! This must have hurt him! Pep said whatever he did to get “laid”. Now he has “had” him, he has dumped him!”
Meanwhile, Manchester City sit 1st on the Premier League table, with 18 points from 6 league matches.
The Citizens remain unbeaten in the Premier League, as they have won all their matches played so far this season.
They are hoping to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title, having won the last three league titles.
Pep Guardiola’s side are pumped for success, and they jointly hold the record for the team with the most Premier League titles won in a row alongside Manchester United (3).
