Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has insisted he isn’t just interested in public praise from Pep Guardiola, as it’s the direct, face to face assessments he really needs.
Akanji joined Manchester City in the summer in a surprise move from Borussia Dortmund, where he had been a regular since a move from Basel in 2018.
He’s been a regular for his new club since, slotting seamlessly into their defence and putting in a series of impressive performances to boot.
That’s seen him earning praise from fans and pundits alike as well as manager Pep Guardiola, who has publicly praised him on more than one occasion.
That’s some achievement for the defender given the world class talent in Manchester City’s squad, especially in a season when the limelight, and subsequent praise, is all focused on Erling Haaland.
“But for me it is also crucial what he says in direct exchanges with me. How I can get better. What positive things he says to me there.
“After all, as a coach you always have to find the right balance. I don’t know how he talks to Bernardo Silva or Rodri. I don’t know what he discusses with them.
“I don’t understand it in Spanish either (laughs). But yes, you always have to find the right way. And I don’t think it would be good either – in relation to me – if people only praised me all the time.
“There are still many things I can learn. And I also want to become better. So, he always challenges me. Of course, praise is also an incentive, because I want to prove that the action was no coincidence.”
