‘We haven’t done the best but…’ – Manuel Akanji issues stern warning over Liverpool clash

Manchester City centre-back Manuel Akanji has issued a clear warning to Liverpool ahead of this weekend’s clash at Anfield over the Champions’ intentions for the game.

City travel to Merseyside hoping for a victory that would send them two points clear at the top of the division, heading into a final Premier League clash in March against fellow title rivals Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Pep Guardiola and his players will be well aware of their abysmal record at Anfield in recent seasons, having recorded just one victory against Jurgen Klopp’s side away from home since the Catalan’s arrival in 2016.

City’s players could be buoyed by their fine form across competitions however, remaining unbeaten in their last 20 outings across competitions, whilst claiming the FIFA Club World Cup title and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Champions League in the process.

Speaking following Manchester City’s most recent 3-1 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League last-16, Manuel Akanji further stressed the magnitude of their upcoming task and insisted that he and his teammates will aim to turn around their form at the Merseyside arena.

“It will definitely be massive. The winner will go to the top of the league,” Akanji reiterated. “We know how hard it is to play there, but we’ll go there and try to get the three points like we always do.

“I don’t want to talk about the title race, but it would be a big win for us. We haven’t done the best there in the past – but why not change it this weekend?”

Manuel Akanji continued by reminiscing on his previous experience of a trip to Anfield, as he said, “I’ve only played there once – and we lost there 1-0. It’s a really good stadium, the atmosphere is great and the team is one of the best, so that’s what makes it difficult.

“But in the end we just focus on us, even if the crowd is pushing them. If we put on the type of performance we want, then I think we can win the game.”

Liverpool have been struck with a number of injury concerns in the run-up to the showdown with Manchester City, most recently surrounding Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate in addition to Mo Salah’s problems in the last few weeks.

Despite those issues, Akanji is not convinced about a so-called ‘injury crisis’ at Anfield, and believes Manchester City’s opposition will be ‘ready’ for Sunday afternoon’s contest regardless of their starting line-up.

“Maybe, because they’ve had injuries, but I think some will be ready for the weekend. And even though some won’t be fit, the ones who are will still give everything in the game,” Akanji insisted.

“In the end it’s the 11 players on the pitch who’ll decide it. We have to bring our performance – and hopefully we can win there.”

Akanji himself is having another fine season following on from his successes of 2022/23 since arriving from Borussia Dortmund, operating in a number of positions for Pep Guardiola including defensive midfield and full-back.

Those strong performances were capped off on Wednesday night, with the Swiss international named UEFA Player of the Match in the 3-1 win over Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium, scoring the game’s opening goal in the process.