Pep Guardiola issued a direct message to Nico Gonzalez during Manchester City‘s 5-1 victory over Luton town, urging the young Spaniard to recognize his potential and impact on the team. The exchange occurred after Gonzalez replaced Jack Grealish in the 69th minute, marking his second Premier League appearance.
Guardiola’s instruction, delivered in Spanish and overheard by ESPN, was pointed: “Nico, tienes que darte cuenta – you have to realize.” The manager’s comment underscores the high expectations he holds for Gonzalez, a 21-year-old winger who joined City from Valencia in the summer transfer window for a reported £14.3 million. While Gonzalez has shown flashes of promise, Guardiola clearly wants him to consistently demonstrate the quality that prompted the club to invest in his services.
The incident highlights Guardiola’s hands-on approach to developing young players and his belief in gonzalez’s ability to contribute to City’s title defense.Wiht City competing on multiple fronts – including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League – opportunities for Gonzalez to prove himself will be crucial in the coming months. The manager’s message serves as a challenge for the player to seize those opportunities and establish himself as a valuable member of the squad.
