Nathan Ake has won trophy after trophy at Manchester City, but this season he has been put to a test he did not expect.
This is something he is willing to accept An interview with De Telegraaf this week. The 31-year-old revealed he has spoken to Pep Guardiola about his situation at the Etihad.
Reduced role at Manchester City
Nathan Ake has started only six of Manchester City’s 40 games in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Instead he featured more regularly in the League Cup, even playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 win over Arsenal at Wembley in March. it was 15th Major trophy of his career, yet his club role has diminished compared to previous seasons.
Ake is not hiding from this fact. He has already indicated that he will leave in the summer. And he admits that it is difficult to deal with, especially on a mental level.
“Honestly, it’s hard to deal with sometimes,” He said.
“Also, because I was in the starting lineup more in recent years than this season. I have also talked to the manager (Pep Guardiola) about this. He also indicated that things are a little different this year.
“Mentally, it demands a bit more sometimes. You always have to be prepared when you have to play suddenly, like last weekend. Then people also expect you to be at your best.”
Ronald Koeman remains confident
While his minutes have decreased at Manchester City, his place in the Netherlands team has not. Ronald Koeman sees him as a reliable pillar for the World Cup.
After sitting on the bench in a 2–1 win over Norway, he was seen playing 77 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Ecuador. He is grateful for the support of his national team.
“I’m very grateful for it in any case,” He added.
“We have a good relationship (him and Koeman). We have known each other for how many years now? Quite a long time. I always try to repay the trust I receive by being ready.
“We still have a few months at the club. I think the coach knows me quite well, and I know the coach quite well too. I’ll just keep going, and we’ll see what happens.”
captain’s armband
Another League Cup win wasn’t Nathan Ake’s only success in the past few weeks. He was allowed to wear the captain’s armband for the Netherlands for more than 20 minutes in the second half.
This is something he has been trying to fight against Virgil van Dijk for some time.
“It was a great moment. It had never happened before. I often asked Virgil (who is the first captain), ‘Just give me five minutes,’ but the guy wants to play everything,” the Hague native said with a laugh.
Nathan Ake will have one year left on his Manchester City contract in the summer. Given his earlier words and his frustration within minutes, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be able to get that deal done.
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