I’ve Already Improved Under Guardiola – Ake

Manchester City new boy Nathan Ake feels he has already improved under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola.

Ake, a £41m summer signing from Bournemouth, was speaking ahead of City’s third Champions League group tie against Olympiakos and says one of the reasons he joined the blues was because of the Catalan boss.

“That’s one of the reasons I came to work under Pep. I’ve seen in the first few months, the way he works with players, he shows what we can improve and works with me. I am learning.

“That’s a plus for me. It’s one of the reasons I came, and I see myself improving already. Hopefully there’s more to come. There are differences in expectations. You are here to win trophies and titles.

“You play in big games, in the Champions League. It’s a good step up for me, to improve myself and learn from one of best managers in world. My first few months here been very good so far. The team and staff are making me feel welcome and that’s helping. I’m really enjoying it.”

Ake also acknowledged it would be a challenge to play continually, with City having four big name central defenders already in the form of Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Eric Garcia.

“I think it’s been good. We have a lot of competition and many good players, but I knew that beforehand. It’s always good to have competition

“Everyone is fighting to be in the team. Everyone wants to give 100 percent and try and help the team and win titles. Everyone has the same objective, to help the team.”

The defender has played four Premier League games and one match in the League Cup so far for the blues, scoring one goal and going into the referee’s book twice.