Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the need for Manuel Akanji to rediscover his peak form, echoing sentiments expressed by football pundits and analysts.
Frank Leboeuf recently critiqued the Swiss international, suggesting that he hasn’t maintained the same level of performance as his debut season at Manchester City.
With the business end of the season approaching and silverware at stake, Guardiola emphasizes the importance of key players like Akanji performing at their best.
Martin Keown expressed surprise at seeing Akanji deployed in midfield following City’s recent 1-0 loss to Aston Villa, advocating for his return to a defensive role where he feels more comfortable.
Craig Burley warned that City risk losing their grip on both the Premier League and Champions League titles if defenders like Akanji fail to elevate their performances.
Guardiola concurred, stating that Akanji needs to reclaim his previous standard of play.
He acknowledged that some players take longer to regain their rhythm after injury layoffs, but affirmed his trust in Akanji’s abilities.
The Manchester City manager stressed the importance of all players finding their rhythm, citing Akanji’s impressive display against Chelsea as evidence of his potential impact.
However, Guardiola hinted at potential tactical adjustments, suggesting that Akanji may not start in midfield against Brentford unless utilized exclusively as a defender.
Given Akanji’s versatility across defensive positions, Guardiola believes he can excel against Brentford, whether deployed as a center-back, right-back, or left-back.
Nevertheless, Guardiola acknowledges the threat posed by Brentford’s high-pressing style, particularly if Akanji is utilized in midfield.
He notes that Brentford’s ability to identify weaknesses in City’s midfield could lead to a shock result, emphasizing the need for caution despite Akanji’s defensive prowess.
