When you’ve built a career around consistency and success, being told your place is no longer guaranteed can hit hard. That’s exactly what Manuel Akanji has been dealing with after his unexpected loan move from Manchester City to Inter Milan.
The 30-year-old Swiss defender had become a reliable figure at the Etihad since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
In just three years, he lifted seven trophies and played a pivotal role in City’s historic Treble win in 2023.
But football has a way of turning quickly, and Akanji found himself on the outside looking in as Pep Guardiola reshuffled his defensive plans.
Guardiola’s Brutal Honesty
Speaking during a Switzerland press conference, Akanji revealed the frank message Guardiola delivered before the loan deal was sealed.
According to him, Pep gathered all six central defenders and spelled things out: two would start, two would sit on the bench, and the rest would struggle for minutes.
“That wasn’t nice to hear, because I always expect to be on the pitch,” Akanji admitted.
When asked why he was the one to slip down the order, he simply shrugged: “You’ll have to ask him.”
Leaving Manchester Behind
The move was especially difficult given how settled Akanji and his family had become in Manchester.
“It’s still difficult to realise right now that I’m suddenly no longer part of the City family, although I still feel like I am somehow,” he said.
The transition to Milan has been so quick that he hasn’t even met all his new teammates yet.
“On Monday there was no training, so I didn’t see anyone. My family and I have felt very comfortable in Manchester, and we will definitely miss life there,” he confessed.
Excited for Inter Milan
Despite the abrupt change, Akanji insists he’s optimistic about the new chapter. “I’m very happy it worked out.
I like Inter very much,” he said, hinting at his eagerness to embrace Serie A football.
Inter’s deal for Akanji includes a £13 million purchase option, which could become an obligation in 2026.
But with his Manchester City contract running until 2027, the door remains open for a possible return to the Premier League.
Looking Ahead
For now, Akanji is focused on making his mark in Italy, though his heart clearly hasn’t fully left Manchester.
“The fact is: I’m on loan at Inter, so theoretically a return to Manchester is possible,” he concluded.