Nathan Ake’s career is going well. He is often in the base at Manchester City, will soon become a father for the first time and a basic place in the Dutch national team at the World Cup in Qatar beckons. In an interview with The National the mandekker does indicate that he had to get used to Pep Guardiola’s rotation system. He also praises the atmosphere between the players in Manchester and in turn receives praise from his coach.
Aké says that his trainer is very strict with the defenders. “After the 6-3 win against Manchester United, he was not happy. If anything irritates Guardiola, it’s not keeping a clean sheet,” said the Dutchman, who was not always sure of playing time. He has now become accustomed to his trainer’s rotation policy. “In the beginning, that policy was difficult. Sometimes you get the feeling that maybe you don’t play because Guardiola doesn’t think you’re good enough. Later, however, you will understand his ideas.”
Ake is getting better at defending and he believes that the qualities of a central defender improve with age. “You deal with game situations differently as you get older. You deal with it better and you read the game better. Experience really comes with age,” he says. “Pep always makes sure we don’t forget that we are defenders first and foremost. Of course we also have to launch attacks, but keeping zero is priority number one.”
After his move from Bournemouth to City, Aké especially noticed the togetherness. The competition is fierce in every line at the Citizens, but there is a warm atmosphere at the club. “I never thought there would be such a togetherness. I’m sure a lot of people say that about their club, but it’s true. Before you arrive you know that there are many stars at play. I thought there might be more cliques. That players who speak the same language would meet up, but it was a real revelation when I came here. Everyone from staff to players was and is so nice. That did surprise me.”
Ake also gets praise from big boss Guardiola himself. “He is so reliable and in bad moments he always helps you. Even when he doesn’t get the playing time he hoped for, he always thinks about his teammates. Nathan is an exceptional person. He is so focused, so concentrated. intelligent man and a pleasure to have him around, you can tell he is loved by the whole team.”