Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has disclosed that Nathan Ake is growing increasingly frustrated with his lack of playing time at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
The 30-year-old defender has seen his playing time reduced in Guardiola’s plans this season, featuring for just 391 minutes in all competitions.
Despite being a trusted figure for the Dutch national team, Nathan Ake’s situation at Manchester City has raised questions about his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Koeman confirmed that the player has expressed dissatisfaction with his limited role, telling reporters — as quoted by De Telegraaf and translated by Sport Witness — that Ake is “bothered” by the situation.
“Nathan himself is also bothered by the fact that he’s not playing,” Koeman said.
“But he is one of the captains of my team. Moreover, he’s a left-footed defender while we generally have a lot of right-footed central defenders.”
Koeman, however, was quick to reaffirm his faith in the Manchester City man, describing him as a key part of his defensive setup despite his club struggles.
“He’s an important player for me who has always been there when I needed him. That makes all the difference for me that he’s in the squad,” he added.
Ake has been named in the Netherlands squad for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania this month.
His inclusion underscores Koeman’s continued trust in the versatile defender, even though he has been largely confined to the bench in Manchester.
Competition and uncertain future at Manchester City
Since arriving from Bournemouth for £41 million in 2020, Ake has made 153 appearances for City, collecting six Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League medal along the way.
However, this season, Nathan Ake’s situation at Manchester City has generated reactions. Guardiola’s preferred defensive combination of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol has left Ake with limited opportunities.
Adding to the competition, academy graduate Nico O’Reilly has impressed at left-back, further restricting Ake’s playing time.
Guardiola’s tactical flexibility and emphasis on rotation have not eased the Dutch defender’s concerns either, with the manager relying more heavily on other defensive options.
Ake’s contract at the Etihad runs until 2027, but with the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, he faces a pivotal decision regarding his future.
Should his limited minutes continue, a move away from Manchester could become a realistic option as early as the January transfer window.
So far, Ake has made just two appearances for City since the October international break, and his place in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad is far from guaranteed.
Koeman admitted that Ake’s situation could impact his international standing if it persists into next year.
“Is he also guaranteed a place in the World Cup next year? That’s still a long way off,” the Dutch coach remarked.
For now, Koeman’s faith in Ake remains unwavering. But the defender’s situation at City could soon reach a tipping point.
Regular game time is crucial not only to maintain sharpness but also to ensure he remains competitive at the highest level ahead of major international tournaments.
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Ake’s calmness on the ball, positional intelligence, and left-footed balance have long been valued by both club and country.
Yet, with Guardiola’s current defensive hierarchy appearing firmly set, his route back into the starting XI looks increasingly narrow.
Manchester City’s packed schedule in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups may offer Ake chances to reassert himself, particularly if injuries or fatigue affect first-choice defenders.
However, the Dutchman’s frustrations reflect a broader challenge faced by many talented squad players at elite clubs — balancing personal ambitions with collective success.
Meanwhile, amid the current Nathan Ake’s situation at Manchester City, Guardiola has often praised his professionalism and versatility, deploying him across multiple defensive roles since his arrival.
But as City continue their pursuit of silverware on several fronts, the Catalan manager’s rotation policy has not translated into consistent minutes for every squad member.
