Manchester City academy graduate Nico O’Reilly has made the left-back position his own this season.
Nico O’Reilly crosses for Manchester City during the victory over Leeds United(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester City full-back Nico O’Reilly believes the togetherness in the group is a lot better than it was last season. City found the 2024/25 season to be a slog as they lost touch with Liverpool in the title race early doors.
From then on, City were in a battle to secure Champions League football for this season. But after finishing the Premier League campaign ten games unbeaten, the Blues managed to lift themselves into third and secure their place at European football’s top table.
While City’s performances this season have not been quite at the levels expected of a title winning side, they remain in the mix for the Premier League crown. The Blues sit just five points behind Arsenal after they drew away at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. This gap will drop to just two points on Tuesday should City beat Fulham before the Gunners take on Brentford.
Reflecting on the differences between this season and last, O’Reilly said: ““We’re a very strong group. It feels a lot different to last season – we feel more as a group and more connected, and we feel better as a team on the pitch. We’re dominating games and it’s down to finishing games off and making sure we get the first goal.”
Having come through the academy as a central midfielder, Guardiola has moved O’Reilly to left-back since breaking into the starting XI and he insists he is enjoying his new role. He said: ““I feel like I’m improving.
“It’s not just a traditional left-back role – it’s a lot more complicated than that. It’s going inside, going on the wing, making runs into the box, defending in the back four and keeping a high line.
“There’s a lot of things that go into it and it’s very tactical. I’m helping and giving the team an extra body for crosses and getting passes into the box. There’s also a lot of running up and down the flank – I’m enjoying it.”
Reflecting on his journey into the senior squad, O’Reilly added: “I’m enjoying it a lot. I never thought I would be in this position so soon.
“I need to stay level-headed and stay calm – there’s a lot of outside noise. It’s all about what happens on the pitch which is what matters the most. It’s about taking your chance, express yourself on the pitch and show everyone who you are.”
