Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, has acknowledged that facing players like Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool this season showed him the value of strong full-back defense.
Full-backs under Guardiola are often recognized for their offensive play, whether they are winging it or swaying towards the middle of the field.
It has been reported that Pep Guardiola has changed his approach this season.
During the season, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake mostly assisted on the left of the pitch.
Guardiola has since acknowledged that City's struggles against Saka and Salah gave him a new perspective on defence.
“[Nathan Ake] has been fundamental for us,’ Guardiola told Sky Sports after Sunday's victory over Chelsea.
“I learnt this season when you play against Bukayo Saka, Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli or Mohamed Salah, you need proper defenders to win duels one-on-one. They need just one action to beat you. Nathan gave us a boost that we did not have in the past.”
I can now understand why Guardiola let go of Joao Cancelo! Joan moves from full-back to wing-back and known for his pace and aggressive play frontwards.
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