Manuel Akanji: I want to make it difficult for Pep Guardiola

It seemed to many as if news about Manchester City closing in on the addition of Manuel Akanji came out of nowhere during the final days of the summer transfer window.

So much was this the case that a whole host of the Etihad faithful struggled to understand why Manchester City were even interested in signing the Swiss international.

However, the 27-year-old’s arrival certainly came at a time of need, with both Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake injured upon his introduction.

While the logic behind the now former Borussia Dortmund defender’s move checks out, it still remains a surprise, as there were no prior links in the build up to him donning a sky blue shirt.

Manuel Akanji, who has quickly adapted to life on the blue side of Manchester, has recently discussed the sudden nature of the transfer.

“I was in Dortmund four days before the end of the transfer window and watched Bundesliga and Premier League games on TV.

"Then came the contact with Manchester City."

Manuel Akanji in action for Manchester City.

"From there, everything went pretty fast," he told Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness.

Interestingly, Manuel Akanji went on to state that one of his goals remains to give Pep Guardiola a selection headache, considering the competition for places in the centre-back position.

“Don’t pinch, but of course it’s a huge step considering where I’m from.

"I am very proud of it and thankful for the support of my family and friends."

Akanji continued, "We have a lot of good players. I know that it won’t be easy."

Manchester City's Manuel Akanji.

"I also don’t expect to play through every game for 90 minutes, but I want to make it as difficult as possible for the coach.”

Since officially becoming a Manchester City player, the DFB Pokal winner has started in three out of the four games he has been selected as a part of the matchday squad.

With commanding displays coupled with his evident comfortability on the ball, Akanji has looked like the archetypal Guardiola central defender.

Manuel Akanji in Champions League action for Manchester City

So far, Manuel Akanji is staking a claim to become a regular starter at Manchester City and could be in line to play from the off against Manchester United after the return of Premier League football.

Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Premier League, Football

Srinivas Sadhanand

Football journalist, midfield enthusiast, human. In that order.

@notsrini_