27 January 2024 , 22:30
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Nathan Ake has admitted he does not "want to even think about" the day Pep Guardiola decides to leave Manchester City.
Guardiola has made a huge impact since taking over as City boss in 2016, guiding them to five Premier League titles, a Champions League, three FA Cups and four League Cups. And as he approaches eight years in charge of the club, there has been renewed focus on his future - particularly in light of the news that Jurgen Klopp will be stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season after almost nine years.
When asked what it would feel like the day Guardiola makes a similar decision, Ake replied: "I don't want to even think about it. Obviously, it was a bit of a shock for everyone to see the news.
"Klopp's a very good manager and done so well at Liverpool. For the Premier League, he will be a big loss. But it didn't change anything for us here. We are just focused on ourselves."
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called on the club to ensure Klopp gets a fitting farewell complete with some silverware, with the Reds competing on four fronts this season. "It's a hard one to take, because the manager means so much for us, to me, to the club, to the whole Premier League I think," Van Dijk told club media.
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"But he made the decision for him and his family. It was always going to be a tough one and it was definitely the case. He told us in private of course, and all of us were together.
"Like I said, it's a hard one to take but our mindset is to focus on business. We have a lot of targets still to achieve this year and why not finish the season on a high and together with celebrations for the boss as well?"
Jurgen Klopp has announced he will be stepping down as Liverpool manager and Ake is dreading the day Pep Guardiola leaves City (Getty Images)However, Ake is unsure whether Klopp's impending departure will have any significant impact on the remainder of the season. "I don't know how they will feel," he added.
"But we knew even before this that they were going to be so good this season. They have so many cups to play for. So far, they've done really well. I think this will continue.
"We have pushed one another over the last few years. Every time they do well, we want to do better. Then they want to do better. It been a great challenge."