Nathan Ake has spoken about how tough he found his debut season at Manchester City. The Netherlands defender has put in solid performances when called upon by Pep Guardiola this term. His displays against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final won him many plaudits, helping to keep two clean sheets.
Nathan Ake said: “I think this season has been much better than last season. Last season was difficult for me personally in terms of injuries but also trying to do too much, show myself too much. Most of the time, that backfires – you start to make mistakes, play differently. This season, I’ve been much more relaxed and like myself. I know last season was not how I normally play. It was a new experience, new everything. The start was okay but I had to cope with a lot of injuries, which I’ve never really experienced.”
Ake explained how regular minutes on the pitch have helped him develop and get back to the levels that earned him a move to City.
Nathan Ake added: “When you get more game-time, you start to get into a rhythm, more like yourself, and hopefully I’ll continue that. Even last season, every game, you have to perform well because every position has top-class players. With the game time you get, you have to try and perform, do well for your team and make sure you get the win. I’m enjoying it at the moment but I can obviously improve and do better.”
