“A different kind of feeling” – Rico Lewis opens up on working with Pep Guardiola

Manchester City’s breakthrough Academy starlet Rico Lewis has opened up on what it is like to work alongside Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

The teenage Academy graduate has undergone a rapid rise to the very forefront of Manchester City’s starting operation under Guardiola over the course of the last two years, seeing himself deployed in multiple positions.

Having started out for Manchester City in the right-back role following the FIFA World Cup in Qatar of 2022, Rico Lewis very quickly found himself moving into defensive midfield, and last season operating in the attacking midfield roles.

The long-term injury sustained by Rodri will no doubt present far more opportunities to Rico Lewis over the coming months, however it somewhat remains unknown where Pep Guardiola believes the Bury-born talent is best-suited.

Speaking to Manchester City’s official club website, Lewis admitted his appreciation to Guardiola for handing him the opportunity to impress at the very highest level, and revealed what it is like to work directly alongside the Catalan tactician.

“That’s what you dream of when you are little, and you join the Academy. All you can think about is working your way up and getting into the first team. For me, I am very lucky and fortunate that it has happened,” Lewis said.

He continued, “I couldn’t be any happier. Obviously it is amazing [being trusted by Pep Guardiola]. In my opinion he is one of the best managers ever. For him to trust me and bring me into the squad is a different kind of feeling.

“I am so appreciative to him for giving me the opportunity because without that I would have no chance of showing my abilities. His attention to detail and how obsessed he is to winning – I also like to win. I like to better myself in every way.

“If Pep sees a small detail that he can improve he doesn’t just leave it and not say anything, he will tell you and that is where you get better.”

Rico Lewis started once again for Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime, as Pep Guardiola followed up their 2-2 draw with Arsenal and 2-1 win over Watford in the Carabao Cup with a 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United.

Alongside Ilkay Gundogan in attacking midfield and Mateo Kovacic in the defensive role, Lewis drifted throughout positions in a largely fluid tactical operation deployed by Guardiola during the first top-flight match without Rodri.