da bet7： Nathan Ake has thanked Pep Guardiola for the way the Man City boss dealt with the death of the defender's father.

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Ake praises Guardiola for supportDefender's father died in 2021Ake has turned City career aroundWHAT HAPPENED?

Ake's father tragically passed away aged 63 after a 13-year fight with prostate cancer. After the Dutchman scored in City's 6-3 Champions League win against RB Leipzig in September 2021, he learned that his dad had died during the match. Two years on, Ake has praised Guardiola for the emotional support he gave him.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Nobody can deny that Guardiola is one of the greatest managers of all time. However, critics argue that the Catalan lacks emotional connection with his players and is therefore not a good man manager. Ake's form for City has improved significantly since his father's passing, and he believes that Guardiola played a role in that.

WHAT AKE SAID

As reported by the Mirror, Ake said: "I’m grateful to Pep [Guardiola] for all he means to me on and off the pitch. When my father passed away, he was fantastic. If I needed things or wanted time off, I just had to tell him. He gave me all the time and space I needed."

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR AKE?

The arrival of Josko Gvardiol means that Ake is no longer the sure starter in defence he became last season. However, after penning a new four-year contract following City's treble success, he looks set to stay at the Etihad Stadium for the foreseeable future.