'He's not in his best rhythm' - Pep Guardiola hints at Man City fitness concerns

Manuel Akanji's hesitant performance against Chelsea was down to a lack of rhythm, Pep Guardiola believes.

Akanji replaced John Stones at the back at the weekend, moving into midfield as Stones would. It's a role he has played plenty of times before for City, including when Stones has been injured at various times this season, or when Stones was rested in the second half of the treble run last term.

However, with Stones rested against Chelsea as his own fitness was managed, Akanji struggled to have the same impact and Guardiola was visibly frustrated with him at times in the first half. The Swiss international improved after the break, and Guardiola praised him at full-time, but returned to the topic of Akanji's performance when asked about Stones' fitness ahead of the clash with Brentford.

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Asked if there were any concerns over Stones' long-term fitness, Guardiola said: "No. He can do it," before embarking on an unprompted discussion about Akanji's performance.

"Manu needs to come back to his form. The game we played previously against Everton, Manu was not in his best rhythm and we need everyone in his best rhythm. And Manu played really good in the moment we read the second half [vs Chelsea] what we should do, he increases his level.

"There are players who take rhythm more quickly. But Manu was injured two, three, four weeks. I rely on him a lot. Manu is an incredible player, as much you can play the more rhythm you have. That's normal."

Akanji himself knows there is room for improvement in his midfield role, but puts that down to learning the position more