The Dutch international joined City from Bournemouth in the summer and arrived at the Etihad armed with extensive experience from his time with the Cherries, Chelsea and Watford as well as with the Dutch national team.
But, addressing the media ahead of Tuesday’s resumption of Champions League action at home to Greek side Olympiakos, Ake said that he felt he had already further developed his craft in his first few months at the Club and was learning all the time from the Catalan.
Asked whether he had improved as a player under Pep, Ake asserted: “I think so.
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“That’s one of the reasons I came to work under Pep. I’ve seen in the first few months, the way he works with players, he shows what we can improve and works with me. I am learning.
“That’s a plus for me. It’s one of the reasons I came, and I see myself improving already. Hopefully there’s more to come.
“There are differences in expectations (from Bournemouth). You are here to win trophies and titles.
“You play in big games, in the Champions League. It’s a good step up for me, to improve myself and learn from one of best managers in world
“My first few months here been very good so far.
“The team and staff are making me feel welcome and that’s helping. I’m really enjoying it.”
With Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia and John Stones also vying for places, it means competition for selection at centre half is fierce.
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However, Ake said he was relishing the challenge to try and earn selection.
“I think it’s been good. We have a lot of competition and many good players,” Ake added.
“But I knew that beforehand. It’s always good to have competition
“Everyone is fighting to be in the team. Everyone wants to give 100 percent and try and help the team and win titles. Everyone has the same objective, to help the team.”
