Former Manchester City winger Nolito has publicly called out the dressing room egos he encountered during his time at the club, describing it as an unfriendly environment filled with top players and significant egos. The Spaniard joined City from Celta Vigo in July 2016 after the Blues activated his £13.8 million release clause, becoming one of newly-appointed manager Pep Guardiola's first recruits.
Nolito's Brief Stint at Manchester City
At 29 years old, Nolito signed a four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, featuring in 19 Premier League games and 30 across all competitions during his only campaign with City. He scored four league goals as the team finished in third place, but remained unsettled both on and off the field, leading to his departure in the summer of 2017. He moved to Sevilla before returning to Celta in 2020, and is now retired at 39.
Reflections on Dressing Room Dynamics
Speaking on the El after de Post United podcast, Nolito looked back on his year in England, recalling the hardships he faced. He revealed, "I remember it with a lot of stars and, above all, a lot of ego. There were players with huge egos. We'd all shower together and then each one would leave straight away. It wasn't a very friendly locker room." He added that he often stayed with fellow Spaniards like David Silva or Jesus Navas, but noticed many things he chose to keep private, stating, "I think ego is a problem in society nowadays."
Challenges and Adaptation Issues
Nolito went on to say he didn't get the opportunities he would have liked, explaining, "At first, I started playing. I played a lot and then I played less. In the end, they're top squads and I had a lot of competition." He admitted to not adapting well, partly due to the Premier League's faster pace and fewer fouls, but expressed a clear preference for La Liga without a doubt.
Guardiola's Role and Tactical Guidance
Regarding his relationship with Pep Guardiola, Nolito noted that the manager asked him to play football as he always had and to correct tactical shortcomings. He said, "Guardiola asked me what he asked me at Barcelona: to do what I knew how to do, to play football the way I had always played and to keep doing it. And then, tactically, he tried to correct the shortcomings I had. And I said, 'Whatever he tells me, I'm at his disposal.'"
Key Players During Nolito's Season
Among City's key players that season were Nicolas Otamendi, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Gael Clichy, Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Toure, Raheem Sterling, and Sergio Aguero. Ilkay Gundogan had also just signed for the club, while youngsters John Stones and Gabriel Jesus were beginning to make their mark, highlighting the competitive and star-studded squad Nolito was part of.
