Man City star claims he ‘doesn’t want to think’ about Pep Guardiola exit

Nathan Ake has said he doesn’t want to imagine Manchester City without Pep Guardiola.

The manager’s future has come under scrutiny this week following reports that Guardiola could walk away in 2025 when his contract expires. The Catalan’s departure has become an even more pertinent subject following the news that his old adversary Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, a reminder that Guardiola’s time in Manchester will end one day.

“Well I don’t want to think about that,” was the response of Nathan Ake when asked about Guardiola leaving, despite the 53-year-old’s assertion on Friday night that he could sign a new deal with the club.

That came after Ake had scored the only goal of the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as City beat Spurs 1-0 in the FA Cup fourth-round and managed to break their duck at the ground.

It was the third game in a row that Kevin De Bruyne’s introduction has injected some enthusiasm into the team and Ake admitted the Belgian’s return from a five-month layoff is having a huge impact on the squad. 

“Every time he comes on he gives something extra. He’s that kind of player. He gives us something else, this ability to see passes. It’s a massive boost for us.

“We’ve had quite a few [injuries], a few suspensions as well [this season],” Ake added. “Every team has them and we’ve never tried to blame it for anything but it is a good thing that everyone is finally starting to come back and get fit. Hopefully soon everyone is ready to go.”