Manchester City left-back Nico O’Reilly has told new head coach Enzo Maresca that he is prepared to play anywhere as he waits to discover how he will be used under the club’s new manager.
O’Reilly was asked about his role in Maresca’s team after the Italian replaced Pep Guardiola at the end of June. The 22-year-old has previously been used in a wide range of positions by Guardiola, operating both on the left and through the centre.
“I told Maresca that I am ready to play anywhere,” O’Reilly said.
His willingness to adapt could give Maresca flexibility when deciding where to deploy a player who has already been trusted in several areas of the pitch during his time with Manchester City.
Although O’Reilly is listed as a left-back, Guardiola regularly moved him between roles on the left side and central areas. That means the defender has experience of contributing from more than one position, rather than being limited to a single role.
Maresca took charge of Manchester City after Guardiola’s departure at the end of June and will now determine how O’Reilly fits into his plans. The change in management has therefore prompted a question over whether the defender will continue to move between positions or be given a settled role.
O’Reilly’s comments make clear that he is not restricting himself to one position under the new head coach. Instead, he has indicated that he is willing to respond to Maresca’s tactical decisions wherever he is asked to play.
The Manchester City academy graduate has made 75 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and providing eight assists. Those figures underline his attacking contribution as well as his ability to operate in different areas of the field.
His previous use by Guardiola across the left and centre has formed the background to the discussion about his future position. With Maresca now in charge, the decision on how to use him has passed to a new manager, but O’Reilly’s message is that he is ready to adapt.
For Manchester City, that leaves Maresca with a player who has already shown he can be selected in multiple positions. For O’Reilly, the immediate priority is to remain available wherever the new head coach believes he can have the greatest impact.
The defender’s record of 14 goals and eight assists in 75 matches also highlights the attacking qualities he can offer from whichever position he occupies. His next role will be decided by Maresca, but O’Reilly has made his own position clear: he is prepared to play anywhere.