Former Premier League defender turned pundit Frank Leboeuf has begged Pep Guardiola not to bench Manuel Akanji in favour of Josko Gvardiol.
Akanji was something of a surprise signing last summer, arriving on transfer deadline day from Borussia Dortmund for £15m.
Manchester City had not planned to buy another centre-back last year, but injuries to John Stones and Nathan Ake prompted Guardiola to change his mind.
Despite arriving at the club once the season had already begun, Akanji quickly adapted to his surroundings and enjoyed a superb season.
The Swiss international played a key role in City’s treble-winning campaign, and became a mainstay in the starting XI once Guardiola adopted a four-center-back set-up.
Guardiola credited Akanji’s arrival with helping City’s defence to tighten up after conceding some damaging late goals in the previous campaign.
However, despite a successful debut season, Akanji’s place in the starting line-up could be threatened by the arrival of £77.5m defender Josko Gvardiol.
City have agreed to sign the Croatian centre-back from RB Leipzig, and will likely play on the left side of City’s defence.
Leboeuf makes Pep plea
When presented on ESPN FC with a potential City starting XI for next season, former Chelsea defender Leboeuf noticed the absence of Akanji.
“I love it, but when I see Akanji on the bench I don’t understand it,” he said.
“That’s impossible for me. He showed at the end of the season his talents and his power, the way he settled into that team.
“I don’t see him on the bench, it’s unbearable for me, it’s not understandable.
“We know how the system [at City] works. We saw Riyad Mahrez score a hat trick in the FA Cup semi-final and then not play the game after.
“But it’s hard to see – especially when you’re a defender, when you need to adjust, you need to feel good and get the confidence – to be rotated and be on the bench when you are a top, top player.
“Akanji has to play with Dias, and maybe Gvardiol on the right side… I don’t know, but please Mr Guardiola, put Akanji on!”
MCN view: Akanji will have an important role
Even if Aymeric Laporte leaves City will still have five senior centre-backs, but Akanji will still get his minutes.
History suggests that John Stones and Nathan Ake will pick up injuries at some point, and even if they don’t, there are so many games to play that rotation will be key.
