Manuel Akanji has revealed what he was told by Manchester City[1] manager Pep Guardiola[2] shortly before the defender moved to Inter Milan[3] on loan.
Akanji departed the Etihad Stadium for northern Italy earlier this week after agreeing a season-long loan switch to Inter late in the transfer window[4].
The 30-year-old Swiss international had been a regular for City since joining from Borussia Dortmund[5] in 2022, winning seven trophies in three years and playing a major role in the club’s Treble success in 2023.
But despite making 40 appearances last season, Akanji was left in no doubt about how tough competition for places would be this term.
Speaking at a Switzerland press conference while on international duty, Akanji said of Guardiola: ‘He made it clear to us six central defenders that two would play and two would be on the bench. And that it would be difficult for the rest. That wasn’t nice to hear, because I always expect to be on the pitch.’
Asked why Guardiola had chosen to move him down the pecking order, Akanji answered: ‘You’ll have to ask him.’
Manuel Akanji (centre) left Man City this summer to join Inter Milan on a season-long loan
Akanji left City after manager Pep Guardiola said he would find himself on the bench otherwise
The defender confessed the sudden change has been hard to take after settling in Manchester with his family.
‘It’s still difficult to realise right now that I’m suddenly no longer part of the City family, although I still feel like I am somehow.
‘Also because I didn’t meet any of my new team-mates in Milan on Monday, as everything happened so quickly and there was no training. My family and I have felt very comfortable in Manchester, and we will definitely miss life there.’
Despite the disappointment, Akanji insists he is excited about his new surroundings. He added: ‘I’m very happy it worked out. I like Inter very much.’
His contract with City runs until 2027, and Inter’s loan deal includes a £13million purchase option that could become an obligation in 2026.
Akanji, though, has not ruled out eventually returning to Manchester, saying: ‘The fact is: I’m on loan at Inter, so theoretically a return to Manchester is possible.’
References
- ^ Manchester City (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Pep Guardiola (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Inter Milan (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ transfer window (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Borussia Dortmund (www.dailymail.co.uk)