Pep Guardiola has received a lot of praise from Nathan Ake for the things he has done for him since joining Manchester City.
After helping the team win the triple last season, the defender signed a new four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The 28-year-old has since had occasion to reflect on his time at the club thus far and the aspects he has most appreciated.
Ake commends Guardiola
Following the official announcement of his new deal, Ake addressed Guardiola in a statement to the club’s media.
Pep is the best manager in football, a genius who has changed the way I view the game, so having the opportunity to work with him for a longer period of time is truly a privilege, the player claimed. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for all that he has done, both personally and professionally.
The Dutchman moved to City from Bournemouth during the summer 2020 transfer window for a rumored fee of £41 million.
Since then, the center-half has played 81 times for the Citizens in all competitions, contributing seven goals.
Last season saw the Netherlands international feature in 41 games, the last of which came in the Champions League final against Inter Milan where he completed the full 90 minutes.
Given that Ake has helped Guardiola win five Premier League championships, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and one Champions League with the Citizens, it is obvious why the defender holds Ake in such high regard.
Ake’s belief that the Spaniard is the best manager currently is furthered by the fact that he broke numerous records while in charge of the team, including having more top-flight victories (34) in a calendar year than any other top-flight side in English football history.