Manchester City No.25 Manuel Akanji has now spoken about Pep Guardiola addressing his players on the pitch.
The Switzerland international was speaking to ESPN.
So, what did Manuel Akanji say about Pep Guardiola? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the £15m man was asked about the Spaniard’s tendency to sometimes gives his Manchester City players a lecture on the pitch.
Guardiola has been criticised for this – most recently by Roy Keane – with many suggesting that he merely does it for the cameras, which seems harsh.
Akanji has now defended his boss, saying: “I think he just has the urge to say it in that moment because he’s been thinking about so many things, and it’s also the way he is in training when the cameras are not around.
“It’s just the way he is. Maybe people don’t like it, maybe some people do. I think for us as players, it’s maybe easier… the memory is still fresh. If people don’t like it, it is what it is.”
Akanji is spot on – Guardiola criticism at Manchester City is strange
In our view, there is nothing wrong with Guardiola’s actions whatsoever – it feels bizarre that some sections of the media even question the Spaniard about this situation.
As Akanji states, any specific moment the 52-year-old wants to discuss could easily be forgotten about by the time everyone reaches the dressing room.
It just makes sense to chat about it as soon as possible – it baffles us that people would question the methods of someone who is arguably the greatest coach of all time.
In addition to Keane, Alan Shearer also criticised Guardiola for the same thing earlier this season.
If Manchester City were losing every week, then yes – perhaps there could be some flaws to dissect about this management style.
However, Guardiola guides the Citizens to victory on a near weekly basis, so as far as we’re concerned, he is doing most things correctly.
