Amid the gossip regarding Nicolas Otamendi became quite stronger, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola believes that the Argentine defender is not happy with the club. The center-back is currently competing for his place at the starting squad with Vincent Kompany, John Stones, and Aymeric Laporte.
In this season’s Premier League as of now, Nicolas Otamendi started in just eight matches and stayed at the bench for a further 13 games. However, he will most probably participate in the EFL Cup semifinal second leg against Burton Albion tonight, although Manchester City is currently having a 9-0 lead from their first leg meeting.
While talking about Nicolas Otamendi and his current situation at the club, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said “He’s not happy – I don’t have an answer,” and then further added “When he plays he’s happy, when he doesn’t he’s not happy. I don’t know what I can do. When he doesn’t play he’s not happy.”
He said “He could play every week, he can play and I know he’s there. He can help us in the buildup, I’ve got three central defenders and Vinny [Kompany] as well. He played [against] Southampton and was excellent, sometimes I have to decide one or the other.” And then added, “John came back well after the World Cup, he wants to play a lot of games. Nico – I know we can count on him, an incredible professional and always he’s ready. I can understand it.”
Pep Guardiola said “It depends on the players, I don’t want sad players here. If you are not happy you knock on Txiki’s door,” and then added “At the end of the season they have to reflect. If they don’t play and are not happy they have to move. I know they are able to do it and I don’t have any complaints about that.”
The Manchester City manager then said “You see the schedule, the games everyone plays.