Nathan Ake made a triumphant return from injury to feature in the Champions League final for Manchester City. Despite his on-field prowess, the defender amusingly recoils at the thought of showcasing his piano-playing hobby in public. While he enjoys playing “nice but not too difficult” music, the idea of an audience unnerves him.
This contrasts with Ake’s on-field reputation at the Etihad, where he has become Pep Guardiola’s most dependable defender. From initially struggling to secure a regular first-team spot, he evolved into an indispensable part of the team during the previous year, contributing significantly to City’s historic Treble-winning season.
Ake attributes his success to the team’s cohesion, particularly the synergy with John Stones, leading to a remarkable run. Despite initial doubts about regaining his place in the Champions League final, he reflects on the team’s journey of adaptation and understanding during a pivotal period last season.
Reflecting on the team’s challenges, Ake emphasizes the importance of fitness and availability, acknowledging the manager’s priority for players to stay injury-free. In a team where staying fit is crucial, Ake recognizes the collective effort required to achieve success.
Experiencing the anxiety of watching from the sidelines, Nathan Ake gained newfound empathy for fans who can’t influence the game. Despite nerves during the Real Madrid match, upon reflection, he recognized the team’s top performance and eagerly hoped to regain his spot.
A pivotal moment occurred when the manager revealed the Champions League final lineup after training, a decisive “in or out” moment that filled Ake with gratitude for being selected. Reflecting on the triumph, he acknowledges the sliding doors moment when Chelsea hesitated to pay over £40m for his services, a decision that ultimately played a role in City’s Champions League victory a year later.
Ake, initially uncertain about his standing after the first season, appreciates the unwavering confidence shown by Pep Guardiola and the club’s leadership during challenging times. The manager’s encouragement at the end of the first season provided a boost, instilling the confidence and trust needed for Ake to evolve and contribute significantly to the team.
In my second season, I grasped more of Guardiola’s expectations and felt increasingly at ease on the field. The following season marked my peak comfort and confidence, fully prepared and ready to perform.”
Guardiola’s influence remains potent, evident in impromptu coaching sessions and daily reminders of their collective goals. Despite winning the Treble, the manager’s commitment to leaving when his message loses impact is a testament to the team’s enduring hunger for success.
Ake, while hesitant about piano recitals, exudes confidence in contributing to the team’s pursuit of an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. Acknowledging the formidable challenge, he praises the team as the best in the world under Guardiola’s guidance, emphasizing the joy and commitment felt by every player. The relentless drive instilled by the manager propels the team to new heights, with Ake marveling at Guardiola’s insatiable appetite for success, fostering a collective mindset of continual improvement and a hunger for more accomplishments.
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