Having signed from RB Leipzig earlier this month, the Croatian central defender came on to make his City debut in last Friday’s 3-0 Premier League win at Burnley.
He has also flown out to Greece as part of Pep Guardiola’s squad preparing for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash with Sevilla in Athens.
Swiss defender Akanji made the similar move to Manchester from Germany, joining the Club a little under twelve months ago from Borussia Dortmund.
He went on to make a magnificent impact in his first season, helping City to go on and win the Treble.
And, addressing the media at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Akanji said the arrival of the highly rated Gvardiol was only going to strengthen both him individually and the City squad collectively.
“It (Gvardiol’s signing) helps me also. When I signed, we had so many good defenders,” Akanji asserted.
“But it helps me that I have to prove every day what I can do.
“It pushes me. In the end everyone wants to play but there are only 11 spots but that is the goal and that’s what makes us better.
“I have seen him (Gvardiol) play before many times.
“He is very good... especially for his age. He will learn a lot here, he has settled in really well. It isn’t easy to come to a team that won the Treble last year, and he tries the best thing he can.
“We are all happy because he will be a big help for us.”
Play the video to watch Akanji’s video in full…
City’s travelling squad for UEFA Super Cup
CITY V SEVILLA APP COVERAGE
You can follow all of the action on our official app with our Matchday Centre beginning at 18:00 (UK).
Our Matchday Live programme will begin around 18:40 (UK).
Host Natalie Pike will be joined by Matchday Live favourites Steph Houghton, Michael Brown and Shaun Goater to provide City-centric insight in the build-up to the game.
Meanwhile, Nedum Onuoha and Shaun Wright-Phillips will be in Athens to give us a sample of the atmosphere.
The guests will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live.
To get in touch, send a Whatsapp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can listen to live audio commentary while our text commentary continues.
A detailed match report will be posted upon the game’s completion before we provide you with post-match reaction from Guardiola and the players.
Short highlights and a full-match replay (for CITY+ and Recast subscribers) from the match will be available from 23:00 (UK) Wednesday with extended highlights available from 23:00 (UK) Thursday 17 August.
