Pep Guardiola wants a reliable defender to remain at Manchester City after this season

“If he has to play every few days, he struggles, but the final of the Carabao Cup, the last game against Brentford, he is complete. Wow.  He is one of the best I ever had. Apart from that he is one of the most incredible team mates for his manager and his team-mates and has been an incredible signing from Bournemouth.”

“He played in the Champions League final in Istanbul, that is how reliable he is. Top guy and a top player.”

Lastly, Pep Guardiola explained that he is hopeful that Nathan Ake remains at Manchester City for next season. Although he admitted that he was unsure what the future holds for the Dutch international. Guardiola added: “One more year, right? I wish he stays with us, but I don’t know what is going to happen.”

Nathan Ake could have an important role to play at City next season.

Experienced players will leave Manchester City this summer. John Stones and Bernardo Silva will depart the club when their contracts expire. Their departures will leave a sizable void in the City squad in terms of experience. There is an argument to be made that if Ake left City this summer, too much experience would leave the club. This Manchester City side hasn’t yet grasped Pep Guardiola’s concepts or what it takes to sustain a title charge. Ake knows exactly what it takes as one of City’s elder statesmen.

Also, Nathan Ake has shown this season, especially lately, that he can still play at a high level. While Ake wouldn’t be a regular starter at City next season, he could play a similar role to the one he has played this season. The question may be if Ake wants to, or does he want to play regularly elsewhere? That may dictate whether or not Pep Guardiola gets his wish in keeping Ake at City next season.

Pep Guardiola wants Nathan Ake to remain at Manchester City for next season. There is certainly merit to the idea given Ake’s experience and dependability as a player. Whether or not that occurs won’t be known until this summer’s transfer window has closed.