We were crowned champions of Europe for the first time in 2022/23 as part of an historic Treble that also included a third successive Premier League title and FA Cup success.
In this campaign, we have already lifted the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup while we’re again challenging on three fronts going into the final few months.
Copenhagen v City | Match preview
As the Champions League returns this week with a Round of 16 first leg trip to Denmark to face FC Copenhagen, Ake believes there is still the same desire amongst Pep Guardiola’s squad to lift yet more silverware.
“Before last year we were close all the time,” he stated.
“Last year we had a lot of hunger to win it and get to the final because we had lost one before. It doesn’t change anything.
“We have the same hunger. We have experience of winning it. Knowing how to win games that’s the only difference.”
City head into this latest continental challenge at the Parken Stadium on Tuesday in fine form having won 10 matches in a row across all competitions.
After the latest victory, a 2-0 defeat of Everton on Saturday, Guardiola called for his team to maintain a positive body language even when struggling to break down opponents.
Ake understands the need for perseverance, even when we’re not at our fluent best.
“In our team we set our standards very high,” said Ake.
“In the last game we felt like we are not playing like we can play and the manager says it shows on the body language - we are not happy with ourselves.
“We have to take it another way - you can’t always be 100% we have to accept that, but by fighting and encouraging each other we get the result we wanted. We didn’t play our best game, but we still won the game.”
Ake believes this mentality to get the job done in any circumstance is what has marked us out as the dominant team in the Premier League and a consistent challenger in the Champions League during Guardiola’s reign.
The Dutch international believes that spirit is fostered on the training ground.
“Over the last seasons it’s getting stronger and stronger,” he said.
“We give each other a lot of stick!
“You have to be mentally tough, we do everything for each other on the pitch and off the pitch we are good to each other too. That makes a big difference.
“We have a strong group - a lot of mature players and a lot of young players. A good mix. And he [Guardiola] leaves us. But he’s the boss, so when he says something we do it.”
Copenhagen v City app coverage
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from Denmark in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, whilst our Matchday Live show will begin at 18:45 (UK).
We will have special guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle.
They 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 from Alistair Mann while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [available on CITY+] will also be available.
