“Manchester City” head coach Josep Guardiola is facing a serious problem in team selection. One of the team's key defenders, Manuel Akanji, suffered a serious injury during the first match against “Real” in the UEFA Champions League playoff stage.
The 29-year-old player will now undergo surgery. He will not be able to assist the team for at least 10 weeks. During this period, the “Citizens” are scheduled to play several important matches.
Many fans are curious about who will take Akanji's place. In particular, journalists also asked Josep Guardiola about this. Among the candidates, the name of Abduqodir Husanov is also mentioned.
Sports.uz portal presents the opinions expressed by “Manchester City” head coach Josep Guardiola and the team's ardent fans regarding this issue to Uzbek football enthusiasts.
Josep Guardiola:
Can our two new defenders – Abduqodir Husanov and Vitor Reis help “Manchester City” when needed? They are considered central defenders. We are playing Manuel Akanji in the right-back position. New players may lack stability in this position. But still, someone has to play.
I have Rico Lewis available, and there is Mateus Nunes as well. We do not yet know if Abduqodir Husanov can play effectively in this position and help us. It will depend on the playing style we choose, how we attack, and our defensive tactics. We will study this issue further.
Rik:
I hope we won't miss Akanji too much. Recently, this defender has been making many mistakes. Eventually, he had to give way to other players. Now, during his recovery, he will have time to think about how to return to a high level.
MU:
We wish Akanji good health. He was regularly taking a place in the starting lineup. If John Stones is healthy, he should move to the central defensive midfielder position. Because Mateo Kovacic is not fulfilling his role in our team, which is playing quite loosely.
I think from now on, Rico Lewis and Abduqodir Husanov will compete with each other for a stable place in the starting lineup.
James:
Akanji's absence presents a new opportunity for the incoming defenders to enter the starting lineup. With John Stones' return, the deficiencies in defense will be resolved. I want to see Guardiola, Dias, Reis, and Husanov in the center of defense. Above them, John Stones should play.
We remind you that “Manchester City” is currently competing in the English Premier League to secure a spot in the top four and is also continuing its participation in important competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup.
