Pep Guardiola Explains Rayan Aït-Nouri’s Lack of Minutes — Says Nico O’Reilly Is Simply “Playing Really Well”
Pep Guardiola has offered a clear explanation for Rayan Aït-Nouri’s recent lack of opportunities, stressing that the decision has nothing to do with performance levels or long-term concerns, but simply the form of another player.
Speaking with his usual blend of honesty and humour, Guardiola said he found the question about Aït-Nouri’s absence “hilarious,” before breaking down the situation in detail.
Guardiola noted that Aït-Nouri impressed earlier in the season, especially during the Club World Cup, and continued to deliver strong performances in matches against Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur. However, an injury disrupted his momentum — opening the door for Nico O’Reilly, who has since taken his chance.
According to Guardiola, O’Reilly’s rise is the only reason for Aït-Nouri’s reduced involvement.
“He played at the Club World Cup and was really good, played the first game against Wolves, the second against Spurs, and after injured. And after came Nico [O’Reilly], and he’s performed really well. This is the only reason. No more than that.”
Despite the lack of minutes, Guardiola emphasised that the club remains extremely pleased with the defender.
“We’re really pleased with Rayan Ait-Nouri and I know he’s going to help, he came for a long time, he knows the Premier League, can play outside and inside, can play in different positions. But now, Nico is playing really good! And that is the only reason why…”
The City manager’s laughter at the question reflected his view that the situation is simple: Aït-Nouri is trusted, valued, and expected to contribute — but at the moment, O’Reilly’s form is keeping him out of the starting lineup.
More details available on cityxtra.co.uk.
