Nicolas Otamendi: Speaking the language
The difference between Nicolas Otamendi from last season to this, has been night and day. I had said at the beginning of the season that I was nervous. I thought we could probably benefit with the purchase of another defender. My concern was how City would cope should anything happen with Vinny.
Of course, something did happen with Kompany and the Captain has now been missing since the end of August. The last game the Belgium played in was away to Bournemouth, before the first International break. In fact, in a reverse of recent history, we haven’t kept a clean sheet when he was involved! Which is surprising to me.
Part of the reason we haven’t missed him so far, I think, is because of the growth shown by Otamendi, and more so John Stones. Developing a partnership which, although still has a few issues, looks more solid than it ever has. The biggest test came this past week when Napoli tested, and pressured, that City back line.
Asked after the game how Pep’s philosophy had made him a better defender, Otamendi surprised with his answer. But, thinking on it, makes perfect sense. Talking to Fox Sports Radio in Argentina he stated that Pep’s control of the dressing room is similar to his match planning, meticulous. He controls the diet, as you might expect, and resting time.
"“After the match we are obliged to eat together. Nutrition and rest are important because we play continuously,”"
It may seem a small thing, but it is important that the players also do certain non-football activities together. We have seen just how much joking and poking fun at each other is done via Twitter, and it’s been positive. The Argentinian defender continued that Guardiola expects everyone to learn English, and conducts team meetings in English.
It is something that, currently, Ederson has said he is struggling with a little. Meanwhile, Otamendi has a test scheduled in December, meaning this is being taken seriously. It makes sense and rather than the Argentinians gathering in one corner of the dressing room, English boys in another and cliques developing. Everyone is together.
It is no coincidence that the dressing room is now a giant circle. Everyone can see everyone else and there is no hiding, silent, in a corner. Otamendi says the Catalan boss is always around and asks also of their life outside of football. Asking how things are going with family and friends frequently.
He also understands the importance of the players being social, interacting with fans and those comical prank tweets. It is a completely 180 degree turn from the stories now coming to light of Roberto Mancini’s time at the club. And you have to say, at the moment, it’s working.