The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Pep talk gets new loanee right back on track
Guardiola’s advice key as City man arrives at United
It was a Pep talk that convinced new Dundee United loan signing Luke Bolton to step back in order to move forward.
The great Guardiola called his young Manchester City starlet into his office and the chat moved on to what the manager thought Bolton’s position was.
Bolton, now 20, had been on a pre-season tour of the United States with the English giants, facing both Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, and Guardiola had subsequently taken time out from dealing with his cast of superstars to give advice to the then teenager.
The words stayed with him and it was at right-back that he played on loan for Luton Town in the Championship down south last season.
Speaking last year, Bolton said: “I spoke to City and that’s where the manager sees me, so I was hoping that I’d get a run out at right-back (with Luton).
“I played there three times last pre-season with the first team, then Pep spoke to me and thought that’s where I was going to be best, so I just took that advice on board.
“That’s all I can do really – listen to him.
“He is obviously a very smart man – I’d say the best coach in the world.
“He pulled me into his office. We are speaking, he thanked me for pre-season and then said that’s where he thinks I’m going to be best.
“So straight away, I said: ‘No problem, that’s where I’ll play.’
“I will never argue and say: ‘No, I think I’m a winger’. I will take it on board from someone like that as he’s managed a lot of top players as well.
“He said, with my pace, getting up and down the line, he just thinks I’m going to be more sorted to full-back than as a winger.
“That’s all he really said, my physical attributes, he thinks I can turn into a good wing-back.”
United confirmed the season-long loan signing yesterday.
Bolton, who was in attendance at United’s recent friendly against Kilmarnock, said: “It feels good to finally be here at such a prestigious club.
“I know they’ve just come up from the Championship so, hopefully, I’ll be able to contribute to helping them stay up and push for a high place in the Premiership.
“I’ve watched Scottish football for years on Sky Sports and I know Dundee United are a big part of that.
“I want to be able to play consistently week in and week out and enjoy my football.
“Last season at Luton I was happy with my achievements.
“I played full-back there so, hopefully, coming to United I can contribute to goals and assists,” he continued.