Manuel Akanji says Guardiola told City defenders only two would play before Inter loan
Swiss centre-back left Manchester City on a season-long loan after manager warned six central defenders competition would be fierce
Manuel Akanji says Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made it clear to the club's centre-backs that only two would start this season, a message the Swiss defender said contributed to his decision to move to Inter Milan on loan.
Akanji, 30, confirmed the conversation during a Switzerland national team press conference on Friday, saying Guardiola had told the group of six central defenders that "two would play and two would be on the bench. And that it would be difficult for the rest." He added: "That wasn't nice to hear, because I always expect to be on the pitch."
The defender completed a season-long loan move to Inter Milan late in the summer transfer window after three years at the Etihad Stadium. Akanji joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, where he became a regular contributor and helped the club to seven trophies in three seasons, including a key role in City's 2023 treble campaign. He made 40 appearances in all competitions last season.
Akanji declined to say why Guardiola placed him lower in the pecking order, replying, "You'll have to ask him," when asked for an explanation. The loan to Inter moves Akanji away from a central-defender group at City where, he said, competition for places was intense.
City officials have not publicly commented on Akanji's remarks. The club has regularly maintained that squad decisions are made on a tactical and competitive basis and that players are routinely informed about their expected roles ahead of each season.
Akanji's move to Inter is structured as a season-long loan. He will rejoin the Switzerland squad for upcoming fixtures while Inter integrate him into their defensive rotation in Serie A and European competition.
Akanji's international appearances and his tenure at City underline his standing as an experienced central defender. His transfer completes one of the later moves of the summer window and highlights the challenge of managing squad depth at clubs competing on multiple fronts.
Both Manchester City and Inter Milan are expected to monitor Akanji's performances closely during the loan spell. Any future permanence or return to the Etihad will likely depend on playing time, form and both clubs' strategic plans at the end of the season.