Man City star says he ‘doesn’t want to worry’ about Pep Guardiola’s departure
This week has been dominated by speculation about the future of Manchester City’s manager.
Nathan Ake refuses to envision Manchester City without Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola’s future has been under examination this week, with speculations suggesting that he may leave when his contract expires in 2025. The Catalan’s exit has become an even more pressing issue following the announcement that his old rival Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, serving as a reminder that Guardiola’s time in Manchester will come to an end one day.
“Well, I don’t want to think about that,” Nathan Ake said when questioned about Guardiola’s departure, despite the 53-year-old’s claim on Friday night that he may sign a new contract with the club.
That happened after Ake scored the game’s only goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as City defeated Spurs 1-0 in the FA Cup fourth round, breaking their FA Cup drought at the venue.
It was the third game in a straight that Kevin De Bruyne’s introduction infused some excitement into the team, and Ake conceded the Belgian’s return from a five-month sabbatical is having a significant impact on the squad.
“Every time he comes on, he gives something extra. He’s that type of player. He provides us something else: the ability to see passes. It’s a huge lift for us.
“We’ve had quite a few [injuries], a few suspensions as well [this season],” he said. “Every team has them, and we’ve never attempted to blame them for anything, but it’s great that everyone is finally starting to recover and become fit. “Hopefully, everyone will be ready to go soon.”
READ MORE: Report: Manchester City believe their 21-year-old youth is the perfect Kyle Walker heir, not Rico Lewis.
Report: Manchester City believe their 21-year-old youth is the perfect Kyle Walker heir, not Rico Lewis.
According to reports, Manchester City has identified Yan Couto as Kyle Walker’s long-term replacement.
Rico Lewis broke into the first-team last season, and it appeared like he was poised to succeed the 33-year-old.
However, the teenager recently acknowledged that his best position to play in is midfield, where he has been primarily played this season.
Manchester City is considering Yan Couto as a replacement for Kyle Walker.
Yan Couto, on the other hand, has thrived as a typical right-back on loan at Girona, who are now second in the La Liga table.
So far this season, the Brazilian has started 14 of the Spanish side’s 21 league games, scoring one goal and assisting seven others.
According to the Daily Star, Manchester City believes Yan Couto has the “world-class potential” to emerge as Kyle Walker’s long-term successor.
As a result, the 21-year-old is expected to join City’s senior team next season and be offered a new deal.
Pep Guardiola is said to be interested in the former Coritiba right-back joining his club’s senior team in the 2024/2025 season.
Manchester City are believed to have no intention of moving the youngster, who Real Madrid are said to be interested in and believe they have a chance of signing when his contract expires next year.
Huge vote of confidence in Yan Couto.
Given Kyle Walker is perhaps the finest right-back to have ever played for Manchester City, the fact that the club may have decided not to recruit a top replacement for him and instead rely on Yan Couto to follow him demonstrates how highly they regard him.
This season, the highly regarded defender, who is already a Brazilian international, has demonstrated his much-discussed creativity, offensive prowess, and technical brilliance in the Spanish top division.
Perhaps the Sky Blues aim to play a more offensive right-back in the future, and they believe Couto is the ideal prospect for the role.
Whether Yan Couto accepts the opportunity to replace Kyle Walker at Manchester City or decides to leave the club in the summer would be an intriguing event.