Rico Lewis exclusive: Manchester City youngster enjoying 'sense of freedom' as utility man - 'I trust in myself'

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Rico Lewis sat down for an exclusive interview with TNT Sports ahead of Manchester City's UEFA Champions League clash with Sparta Prague on Wednesday. The versatile teenager has been used by Pep Guardiola in a variety of roles and explained how being a utility player gives him "a sense of freedom" as he learns to "trust in myself" in different positions.

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Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis says he feels a “sense of freedom” in being able to move between different positions as it helps him “trust in myself”.

Pep Guardiola has used Lewis as a right-back, left-back and central midfielder this season, while sometimes changing the 19-year-old’s role during matches.

Lewis sat down with TNT Sports ahead of City’s UEFA Champions League clash with Sparta Prague on Wednesday.

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Asked if he enjoys playing in different positions, he said: “Yeah, that is a sense of freedom in a way.

“I trust in myself that if I am going to be moving about, I can play in those positions, or I’m not going to lose the ball in this position.

“That just comes with being in a team like [Guardiola’s], where you’ve got to be able to do more than just the basic things.

“I think that’s one of my attributes, understanding the game in different positions.”

Lewis appears remarkably calm and measured for such a young player, so he was asked if he feels pressure.

“Yeah, I think everyone does, but it’s how you convert it,” he added.

“I take it as a boost of energy, especially in games when it’s going the wrong way. It’s more of an incentive for me to try [and] get on the ball, get back to basics.

“If it’s going wrong, then try to help the team in any way to make it better.”

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City’s bid to reclaim the Champions League crown continues on Wednesday against Czech champions Sparta Prague, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten in all competitions this season and head into the game at the Etihad Stadium with four points in the league phase, following a 0-0 draw with Inter Milan and 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava.

Sparta have also enjoyed an unbeaten start, beating Salzburg 3-0 before holding Stuttgart to a 1-1 draw, and Lewis insists there will be no complacency from City ahead of the game.

“We’ve seen some of their stuff this week. They aren’t in the Champions League for no reason, every team has quality,” he said.

“But we go into every game wanting to win and control the game. That’s the main thing we want to do in every game, especially tomorrow.”

Stream the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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