Manchester City midfielder reflects on Pep Guardiola’s influence on positional change | OneFootball

Nico O’Reilly has spoken candidly on the transition from an attacking midfielder to a makeshift left-back that has made the teenager an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side.

The 19-year-old has been one of the first names on Guardiola’s teamsheet in recent months, where his performances in City’s run to the FA Cup final have seen him play an important role in the business end of the season.

A late goal against Everton on the road and a series of match-winning displays across March and April have seen him gain popularity amongst the Manchester City fanbase, who are seeing one of their own steer their club in the right direction amidst this season’s struggles.

O’Reilly playing in midfield at some point is an idea that has been touted by fans on social media and Guardiola has said in press conferences that he could choose to field the Englishman in the middle of the park further down the line.

As Manchester City gear up for their final Premier League game of the season against Fulham, Nico O’Reilly has reflected on the positional change that has made him the fulcrum of Manchester City’s left side since February.

“I just remember one session I was put there (at left-back because I think we had just one centre-back in training,” O’Reilly said in an in-house club interview.

“Everyone was injured and we just needed players in training to go there. It must have been two days later in the Salford game (in the FA Cup) where I went left-back and it just came from there.

“I trusted what the manager (Guardiola) thought. If I get something wrong in training positionally, Pep will stop it, go through it with me and let me know what I need to do.

“That has helped me a lot. Also speaking to the likes of Josko (Gvardiol) – who has been playing there all season – he has helped me a lot because he has been next to me every game and always talking to me.

“I think the staff, Josko and Ruben (Dias) have helped. Ruben is a big leader in the team and he leads the back line, so I am always listening to his information.

“I had to get used to the defending side as well because being in the backline was not something I was used to. As it has gone on, I have learnt a lot and still have got a lot to learn as well. I have enjoyed it and it’s good to have a bit of versatility.

“Obviously with my size and my physicality to get up and down the wing, it does suit me. I think the way we have been playing tactically has benefited me in that way, to get in those positions.”