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.