Nolito happy with Guardiola’s City rotation

Nolito insists he does not spend his time on the bench down in the dumps after praising Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s rotation of the first-team squad.

The Spanish international arrived at the Etihad Stadium in the summer when the club activated his £13.8m release clause at Celta Vigo.

The 30-year-old has scored five goals for his new club this season, the same number as Ilkay Gundogan, Kelechi Iheanacho and Raheem Sterling.

All four trail star striker Sergio Aguero, who has banged in 16 goals already this term, but the stat does demonstrate the Guardiola’s tendency to mix up his starting XI.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

And while Nolito would like to have more minutes under his belt at City, he understands what his new manager is doing.

“I am very happy here,” he said.

“When I arrived to City I knew it would be difficult to play with such good players in the squad but the manager is giving chances to everyone, is rotating the team, and I’m happy.

“From a selfish point of view I obviously would like to play every minute, but I think no one can play everything because both the Premier League and the Champions League are very demanding.

“Rotations are needed and Pep is managing that very well.”