Nathan Ake reveals special moment with Pep Guardiola and early career sacrifices

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has opened up in a new interview this week on an emotional moment with Pep Guardiola among other subjects.

The 28 year-old has been nothing short of sensational across the course of the ongoing campaign, despite having been forced to adapt into the left-back role, and even more so following the departure of Joao Cancelo in January.

The Portugal international left the club on an initial six-month loan deal to Bayern Munich, with the Bundesliga club having the option to sign him permanently in the summer for a €70 million fee.

Ake has been a revelation under Pep Guardiola, registering a total of 32 appearances across all competitions so far this season, whilst also providing two goals in the process – including a match-winning strike to knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage.

The Netherlands international has recently opened up on working alongside Pep Guardiola – a figure that he says has been so important in his development, as well as dealing with personal matters off the pitch.

Midway through last season, Nathan Ake battled through the sad news of his father’s passing, just hours before he went on to score in a Manchester City victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League group stage.

While that period of his life was understandably difficult, the Dutchman has now revealed the personal touch handed to him by manager Pep Guardiola, and how the City boss offered to help Ake deal with events.

Speaking to SPORTbible this week on Pep Guardiola as a whole, Nathan Ake explained, “He has been very important in every aspect, especially in my overall game. I’ve improved loads. He made me understand the game differently.

“It was always a different style of play at previous clubs I’ve been at. I love it and he’s been helping me from day one. Even when the first season didn’t go as planned for myself, he was still backing me, always trying to help me and make sure I got back to my best. The second season I was already improving.”

He continued, “Also off the pitch, when the stuff with my dad happened, when he passed away, he was there and came to speak to me a few times, giving me time off when I needed it. I will always appreciate that.

“He’s been a big influence, especially this season; putting so much trust in me to play so many games. That’s why I try and do everything to pay him back.”

Reaching the very top of the professional game has not come without sacrifices for Nathan Ake during the earlier parts of his career, as the City defender went on to explain how conversations with older players during his younger days helped develop his approach to working in football.

“I’d always hear stories when I was younger,” Ake said. “When you meet older people and you ask them why they aren’t playing anymore, they’d often come back and say, ‘I was going out too much’ or ‘I was drinking, clubbing and I got injured.’ All of these excuses.

“Growing up, I always wanted to be a professional footballer. I always wanted to do well and reach the highest level possible. I never wanted to be able to make those excuses.”

Nathan Ake and Manchester City have a huge month of fixtures coming up in April, with clashes against Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League, a double-header against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and an FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United.