BREAKING NEWS: coming from Fabrizio Romano, ” He needs to perform better, otherwise I would think about loaning him out, like I did with Kavin Phillips during this transfer window. He always commit a crucial mistake everytime, It is essential to improve”. The Manchester City player who makes £180,000 a week, Pep Guardiola has sent a warning to one man City, he needs to step up his game.

Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the importance of Manuel Akanji returning to his peak performance level, particularly as recent comments from Frank Leboeuf suggested that the Swiss international was not meeting the standards he set in his debut season at the Etihad Stadium. With Manchester City gearing up for crucial stages of the season and silverware at stake, Guardiola emphasizes the significance of key players like Akanji performing at their best, given his substantial weekly wage of £180,000.

Akanji’s form has become a topic of discussion, with Martin Keown expressing surprise at seeing the 28-year-old deployed in midfield following City’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa, as his natural position is in the backline. Craig Burley has warned that City risks losing their Premier League and Champions League titles if defenders like Akanji do not elevate their performances.

Guardiola has stressed Akanji’s need to rediscover his previous level of play, acknowledging that some players take longer to regain rhythm after injury setbacks. Nonetheless, he maintains confidence in Akanji’s abilities and underscores the importance of every player being in top form.

Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Brentford, Guardiola suggests that Akanji may not start in midfield unless he intends to deploy him solely as a defender. Given Brentford’s high-pressing style, Akanji’s versatility could prove valuable, but there is a risk that the opposition could exploit him if he plays in midfield.

While Akanji possesses the capability to excel in various defensive positions, Thomas Frank’s team may target him as a potential weak link in City’s midfield, aiming to capitalize on any vulnerabilities.