Manuel Akanji has opened up on the real reason he left Manchester City, bringing an end to his stay at the Etihad after a successful spell under Pep Guardiola.
The Swiss international, who arrived in Manchester in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund, played a key role in the club’s defensive structure and was part of the side that lifted the treble in 2023.
Despite his impact and reputation as a reliable defender, Akanji’s future at City began to look uncertain towards the end of last season.
After two years in Manchester, the 30-year-old found himself among a crowded defensive unit and eventually made the decision to seek a new challenge.
In a deadline day move that surprised many, Manuel Akanji joined Inter Milan on a season-long loan.
Guardiola’s Honest Admission Sparked Exit
Speaking during a press conference while on duty with the Swiss national team, Akanji gave a frank explanation about the conversations that shaped his exit from Manchester.
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The defender revealed that Pep Guardiola was clear with all of his centre-backs, telling them that no one could be assured of regular minutes in the starting XI.
“There were six central defenders in the squad, he [Pep Guardiola] openly told us it would not be easy for anyone to have regular playing time. And that was the case,” Akanji revealed.
Guardiola’s philosophy of constant rotation and squad depth has been a hallmark of his City tenure, but for Akanji, the reality was that playing opportunities would be limited.
He admitted that while he respected the honesty, it placed him in a difficult position.
“It was not an ideal situation, but I was well aware of the competition for places,” the Swiss defender added.
The Spaniard’s words were not meant to push him out, but the acknowledgement of such fierce competition made it clear to Akanji that consistent game time might not be realistic at City this season.
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And with the international competitons on the horizon in 2026, regular minutes at the highest level were non-negotiable for the Swiss international.
