The Dutch international, who is in his third season at the Club, has been in fine form so far this term and also shown his adaptability by being deployed both in his trademark role in the centre of defence and also as a left back.
Speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of our latest Champions League Group G game away to FC Copenhagen, Ake reflected on how his game had matured and developed under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola since joining the Club from Bournemouth in the summer of 2020.
And he revealed how he – and his colleagues – were relishing their football so far this season with City in second place in the Premier League and armed with a perfect record of three wins out of three in the Champions League so far.
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“Yeah, (to adapt at City does take time) because as a defender you have to do both - you have to defend and also start attacks,” Ake pointed out.
“The manager gives so much insight and so much knowledge about football and how he wants to play – at such a high level - you have to get used to that.
“You have to learn, and I have learned a lot over the years. It’s interesting and I had to get used to it in the first season but now I know it.
“My first season wasn’t great anyway because of injuries - there was a lot of stop and start so it was difficult.
“In the second season, you get used to it, knowing the kind of squad we have, the manager uses all the players.
“Maybe you have to get used to it - but I think it can only benefit and help you play. The more you play, the more comfortable you get and the better you get. It’s only a good thing.
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“So far (this season) I am happy. I played a few games than got a setback, but thankfully it wasn’t too bad.
“I feel I am progressing well and hopefully it can continue like this. I am happy to be here.”
With City in such sparkling form at the moment, and the World Cup finals in Qatar also on the horizon, there is much to look forward to for Ake.
From his own perspective however, Ake said the focus was merely trained on the next challenge, starting with Copenhagen, rather than being distracted by talk of a potential best season to date in his career.
“It’s a bit far to look forward to all that,” Ake insisted.
“Right now, it is game by game. These next few are very important for the team and the season and after that I can look forward to World Cup.
“At the moment I am very happy and the team is happy, we are in good flow, but it is only the beginning. We have so much more to do.”
