Revealed: Man City’s Plan for Nico González and New Signings Ahead of Real Madrid Clash

Manchester City fans could get their first look at new signings this Saturday when Pep Guardiola’s side takes on Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. Among them, Nico González is expected to be at the heart of City’s midfield as Guardiola seeks a solution to the Rodri-sized hole in his squad.

González Set for Immediate Responsibility

Signed from Porto for £50m on deadline day, González is City’s only midfield addition in January. But unlike past signings who have had time to settle in, the Spaniard is expected to jump straight into the deep end. Guardiola has already confirmed that while González is versatile, his primary task for now will be to shield the defense as a No.6, stepping into the role where City have struggled most this season.

“Right now, yeah. I didn’t bring him to play more up front because we have more options there,” Guardiola explained. “Of course he can play there, but mainly the decision is for him to play in front of the central defenders.”

City don’t want to rush expectations, but with Rodri’s absence still looming over the team, González is expected to bring much-needed stability.

“I think he’s ready, but we will see in the next days how the training sessions go. The first impact is good, but I will not put pressure on his shoulders to solve all our problems.”

A first start could come as soon as Saturday against Leyton Orient, a fixture that offers Guardiola the perfect chance to test his new signings before the Champions League showdown against Real Madrid.

More Fresh Faces Set for FA Cup Action

González isn’t the only new arrival looking to get minutes. City’s January signings—Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Omar Marmoush—are all in contention to feature. However, Guardiola remains cautious about fielding too many at once, aware of the risks of throwing multiple newcomers into an away cup tie.

“I have an idea of the lineup. I have one or two doubts, but maybe two [new signings] at the same time is a little risky,” Guardiola admitted.

In addition to the new signings, City are set to welcome back key players from injury, including Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku, and Ederson. Their returns will be crucial in ensuring a full-strength squad for Madrid.

“If they’re not fit and we take a risk, then maybe they get injured again. We have conversations with the physios to see who can play.”

Balancing the Squad Ahead of Madrid Showdown

With the Premier League title race slipping away, City’s FA Cup and Champions League campaigns take on even greater importance. Guardiola will use the Orient fixture to manage his squad carefully—resting key players while giving others a platform to impress.

For González, it’s an immediate chance to show he can handle the responsibility of City’s defensive midfield, while the other new arrivals could get their first taste of English football. But for Guardiola, everything is about getting City ready for Real Madrid—and this weekend’s game will offer a vital glimpse of what’s to come.