Expert issues emphatic Manuel Akanji verdict after Man City injury latest
Alan Hutton has claimed Manuel Akanji will have no problem playing as a right-back for Man City even though it may be “difficult” to initially adjust.
But, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League right-back said most of the City players don’t struggle with anything Pep Guardiola asks of them.
City are currently suffering with multiple injuries to key players.
John Stones and Kyle Walker are both out injured with Aymeric Laporte only recently returning from a long layoff.
Defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also sidelined after undergoing surgery.
To cover for their defensive absences, Guardiola trialled Manuel Akanji at right-back in the 4-0 win over Southampton on Saturday (8 October).
Hutton noted the difficulty of having to switch positions.
“Of course he will find it difficult,” he told Football Insider.
“Myself as a full-back on the right hand side, I played one season at left back. It is different.
“Different runs, different things you have to be aware of.
“Pep has his team well drilled and everybody knows what they have to do on the pitch.
“When they attack that much and have so much of the ball, I do not think it will be too much of a problem.
“I think Man City is a different kettle of fish.
“These are all world class players so I do not see it really being a problem if they have to, for the odd game, switch positions.“
In other news, Robinson has issued ‘massive’ Man City verdict after update on Pep Guardiola’s future via BBC.