Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits Nicolas Otamendi is unhappy with a lack of action this season.

Otamendi has started just eight Premier League games, compared with 33 starts last term, with Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte also vying for a place in central defence.

"He's not happy," Guardiola said. "I don't have an answer. When he plays he's happy, when he doesn't play he's not happy.

"But it's not just Otamendi, [it's] everybody. All of them. I don't know what I can do but be honest with myself and with them.

"Of course when he doesn't play he's not happy. In the end with Nico, I know we can count on him at any time in any situation because he's an incredible professional and always he's ready. I'm delighted with him.

"But I can understand him [wanting to play more]. I cannot say anything else."