Pep Guardiola has brought the brutal ultimate to Manuel Akandi during the summer transfer window – leaving Manchester City or being relegated to the stands. Akanji has secured a deadline switch to Inter Milan after receiving a harsh warning from Guardiola about the outlook in Etihad.
The Swiss defender was a key figure for City after arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. He contributed to Guardiola’s team, claiming seven trophies in three campaigns, and featured in 40 matches the previous season.
Nevertheless, it has been revealed to him this summer that he had slipped down the centre-back hierarchy behind Reuben Diaz, John Stones, Josko Gvaldior, Nathan Ake and Abdukodil Kusanov.
The 30-year-old was reportedly courted by Crystal Palace and Galata Sarei before finalizing the loan for the season to Inter.
During his international duties with Switzerland, Acandi revealed that Guardiola’s honest assessment effectively forced him to leave.
“He made it clear to the six central defenders that two were playing and two were on the bench,” he said.
“And it’s going to be difficult for the rest. That wasn’t good to listen to because I think I’m always on the pitch.”
For the latest broken stories and headlines, sign up for the Daily Express Transfer Newsletter.
When asked about Guardiola’s changed attitude towards him, Akanji replied: “You will have to ask him.
“It’s still hard to realize that I’m suddenly no longer part of the city’s family, but somehow I still feel that way.
“Also, since we didn’t meet our new teammates in Milan on Monday, everything happened very quickly and there was no training, so my family and I felt very comfortable in Manchester.
Despite the whirlwind movement, Akanji is keen to make his mark at the inter under the guidance of former defender himself, Christian Chibb. “I’m so happy it worked. I love it so much,” he said.
“The fact is, I’m lending it at the Inter, so in theory I’m able to return to Manchester.”
However, he admitted that reality might be different, saying, “Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to say goodbye to City yet, but I would like to do it with the team’s meal. This isn’t too easy due to the schedule.
Guardiola frequently expresses the preferences of small teams, and otherwise everyone finds it difficult to maintain content. Akanji wasn’t the only veteran player to be let go of the team, and Ilkei Gandogan also moved late in the transfer window to Galatasarai. Goalkeeper Ederson has also joined Fenerbafe.
