03 February 2024 , 22:30
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Nathan Ake has warned that Pep Guardiola will never get tired of winning.
While arch-rival Jurgen Klopp has announced he needs a break from Liverpool after fighting a losing battle with the Manchester City boss over the last eight years, Guardiola has hinted that he could sign a new contract that will take him to a decade and beyond at the Etihad.
And the Dutch defender reckons that is bad news for the rest of football as City step up the defence of the Treble they won last season. Ake said: “When you play for a club like Manchester City and for a manager like Pep Guardiola the pressure is always there to succeed.
“Every single player in the dressing room, every coach and staff member wants to continue the success we have had in recent years. Our hunger to win never goes away and that is why we are fighting to win our fourth consecutive Premier League title. We will fight until the end as we always do.
“The manager is demanding but that is what gets the best out of us. His enthusiasm and determination to win is relentless and that’s a feeling that is shared by all of us.
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“The training sessions are intense, but we all work so hard and put everything into those sessions to give us the best possible chance of getting a positive result in the game. The level of detail and information given to us by the manager and the staff is incredible and it helps us feel prepared before every game.
“On and off the pitch the manager and all of his staff are there for us. We are a tight-knit group and I think that shows on the pitch, we all care and fight for each other.
“It is special to be coached by a manager like Pep who gets the best out of you and makes sure that every day you are being the best version of yourself.”
Pep Guardiola is a serial winner at Man City (FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)City have won 10 of their last 11 games in all competitions but are five points behind Liverpool with a game in hand. They are also through to the last 16 of both the Champions League and FA Cup.
And ominously for all their challengers, Erling Haaland came back from a two-month injury lay-off in the midweek win over Burnley after Kevin De Bruyne had proved that he’s ready for the business end of the season by producing his third assist in four games since also returning to fitness.
City face a tough trip to Brentford on Monday night - and Thomas Frank’s side were the only team to complete the double over the Blues last season.
Ivan Toney starred for the Bees in a 2-1 victory at the Etihad. And Ake said: “Brentford are a top side who are organised, aggressive and look to win their duels.
“Having a top striker and someone who puts the ball in the net can be the difference. Ivan Toney is a really important player for Brentford and we are so lucky to have Erling.
“Erling has already proved that he is one of the best strikers in the world and it has been great to have him back with us in training and to see him get back on the pitch against Burnley. I know it’s been frustrating for him, but he is back and we’re really excited to have him with us to help the team."