In light of Pep Guardiola’s recent tactical shift, Nathan Ake feels that the Manchester City team is becoming accustomed to playing three at the back.
The system has been used by the Blues several times recently, including in their two games prior to the international break, a 6-0 FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Burnley, and a 7-0 rout of RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
When Liverpool visits the Etihad on Saturday afternoon, it is still unknown if Guardiola will maintain the lineup. Ake has played a variety of roles this season and has been one of City’s most reliable defenders.
The 28-year-old had previously played in his natural center-back position in a back four, but against Leipzig and Burnley, he was one of the back three before getting a rest.
In addition, he has occasionally played left back to make up for City’s lack of depth at the position following the departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko in the summer and Joao Cancelo’s January loan to Bayern Munich. Bernardo Silva has also occasionally played as a wing-back.
According to Ake, who spoke to SportBible, the team is adjusting to playing with a back-three: “I think the more you practice it, the more familiar it becomes. Given that we’ve been playing three at the back, you can see that from the entire team.”
Ake praised Guardiola’s intelligence, highlighting how the Catalan coach has developed since the defender’s arrival in 2020. “He is extremely skilled tactically, “Ake said.
Every time we meet, he is very clear. He examines every detail. He is so devoted to the game that he is an expert on everyone. You know exactly what you need to do and what to anticipate as a player coming into the game.
He also makes the game appear simple. how he clarifies it. He stands out from the others due to that. He has been crucial in every way, but especially in how I play as a whole. I’ve come a long way.
Before his father passed away in September 2021, Ake’s first season with the Blues was frustrating since he suffered from a number of ailments. The Dutchman commended Guardiola for his man-management skills as well as his nurture over a trying 18 months.
“He changed the way I thought about the game. In the previous clubs I’ve played for, the style of play was always different, Ake continued. He has been supporting me from the start, and I love it.
Even though my first season didn’t go as anticipated, he continued to support me and work with me to ensure that I returned to my best. I started becoming better in the second season.
Also off the field, he was there and visited me a few times, giving me time off when I needed it, when the events involving my father occurred and he passed away. I’ll always be grateful for that.
“He’s had a significant impact, especially this season when he trusted me to play in a lot of games. I make every effort to repay him because of this.