Nathan Ake expressed his gratitude towards Pep Guardiola for the compassionate way the Manchester City manager handled the passing of his father.
Ake’s father sadly lost his battle with prostate cancer at the age of 63 after fighting for 13 years. The Dutch defender discovered the news of his father’s death while playing in City’s 6-3 victory against RB Leipzig in the Champions League in September 2021. Now, two years later, Ake has commended Guardiola for the invaluable emotional support he provided during that difficult time.
It is undeniable that Guardiola is one of the greatest managers in history. However, some critics claim that he lacks an emotional bond with his players, making him a poor man manager. Akes’ performance for City has notably improved since his father’s death, and he believes that Guardiola played a part in this positive change.
As reported by the Mirror, Ake said: “I’m grateful to Pep [Guardiola] for all he means to me on and off the pitch. When my father passed away, he was fantastic. If I needed things or wanted time off, I just had to tell him. He gave me all the time and space I needed.”
With the arrival of Josko Gvardiol, Ake’s position as a guaranteed starter in defense, which he held last season, is now uncertain. Nevertheless, Ake has recently signed a new four-year contract, indicating his intention to remain at the Etihad Stadium for the foreseeable future, especially after City’s triumphant treble.
