Pep Guardiola reveals why he favours Manuel Akanji over John Stones
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola explained why he started Manuel Akanji over John Stones last weekend.
The 53-year-old chose Manuel Akanji over John Stones for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City fell behind Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
City, who could have moved to the top of the table with victories over Chelsea and Brentford, will be unable to overtake Liverpool with a win on Tuesday night after drawing with Chelsea for the second time in a row.
Raheem Sterling’s first-half goal was cancelled out by Rodri’s thunderous effort in the 83rd minute on Saturday, as the Spaniard scored his seventh goal of the season.
The draw, which raised eyebrows due to the inclusion of both Akanji and Julian Alvarez, ended the Blues’ 11-match winning streak abruptly.
Manchester City had 31 attempts against Mauricio Pochettino’s side but struggled to maintain control, drawing 4-4 at Stamford Bridge in November.
Akanji has only played twice since early January, when he was injured against Huddersfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup third round, and Saturday’s 1-1 draw was his third appearance of the year.
Stones was recently chosen to face FC Copenhagen in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16, despite the fact that the Englishman was still recovering from a number of injuries.
Guardiola’s hybrid role for Stones propelled Manchester City to treble success last season, as the 29-year-old helped the club win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Akanji also contributed significantly to City’s success during his debut season, starting the Champions League Final ahead of Kyle Walker and the FA Cup Final against Manchester United.
Guardiola defended his decision to select the 28-year-old over Stones on Saturday ahead of a midweek match against Brentford, describing it as “normal.”
“There are players that take their rhythm more quickly, but Manu (Akanji) was injured for two, three, four weeks,” said the City boss.
“I rely a lot on Manu, he’s an incredible player and I will decide who plays, that’s all. And as much games you play, the more rhythm you have. That’s normal.”
Guardiola will face a similar dilemma on Tuesday night, with both Stones and Akanji available for a crucial Premier League match against Brentford.
A victory would propel Manchester City above Arsenal and within one point of Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola reveals why he favours Manuel Akanji over John Stones