Pep Guardiola’s side kicked off the 2023/24 campaign in emphatic fashion with a first half Erling Haaland brace and late Rodrigo strike firing us to a hugely impressive 3-0 win at Turf Moor.
It was the perfect way to kick-start the new campaign with City setting out in pursuit of what would be an unprecedented fourth successive league title.
Guardiola’s side, of course, are looking to build on an incredible 2022/23 season that saw us win a historic Treble in the form of the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
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For Akanji however, the manner of the Burnley victory served to demonstrate the hunger and desire that has come to embody Guardiola’s squad.
“Nobody gets tired of winning titles, so we keep going. The next challenge is to win every possible title this year – that’s our goal,” Akanjio declared in the wake of Friday’s dominant win.
“It’s really hard to do it but it’s the mindset that we have at this club and we’re going for it.
“I wouldn’t say it was perfect and we’ve got things to improve, but it was a good start and a solid win. It was a good feeling.
“I was happy to be back – when I walked out of the stadium and heard the fans. The pitch was top and it’s a good stadium – I’m happy to be back in this atmosphere.
“We showed a good team performance and we’re ready for the new season.
“The goal is to get back to the level I was at last season and keep improving.”
Friday’s game also marked the City Premier League debuts for summer signings Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol who both came on as substitutes at Turf Moor.
While the Croatian duo have arrived, there have been departures too with both Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez moving on after providing sterling service for the Club.
For Akanii it’s a case of evolution and part of the natural cycle of elite football.
“They (Gundogan and Mahrez) were big players for us – big leaders in the team who were here for a long time,” the Swiss international pointed out.
“These are not easy shoes to fill but we’ve got new players who have come in – Mateo [Kovacic] and Josko [Gvardiol].
“Mateo did a great job today when he came in for Kevin [De Bruyne] and Josko with the minutes he played at the back – he was really solid.
“We’ve got a season to look forward to.”
Haaland marked his intent for the campaign with that stunning first half brace – and having played with the striker firstly at Borussia Dortmund and now City, the Norwegian’s latest exploits came as no surprise to Akanji.
“I’ve played with him for three and a half years and his mindset never changes,” Akanji added.
“That’s why he keeps proving it every game. I’m not surprised.
“He keeps coming back and doing what he does best which is scoring goals. He has the hunger.”
