Ake Reflects on Manchester City’s Lost Lead and Calls for Mental Strength

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, speaking to Amazon Prime, described the team’s recent match as “[It is] difficult. 3-0 up and we played quite well and were under control, but then it all changed.” Ake emphasized the necessity for mental fortitude, stating, “You just have to stay strong mentally.” He reflected on the tactical shift after the opponent scored, noting, “At 3-1 they then push on, but I think we need to go for it a bit earlier so we could keep the pressure on them, but we stayed playing at the back and maybe invited more pressure on us.” He added that conceding a second goal intensified the pressure, requiring the team to “stay stronger mentally.” When asked if City squandered the game, Ake affirmed, “Yes I think we did. If you are 3-0 up at home you can never give it away like this.” He acknowledged the current situation, adding, “It is what it is at the moment. The only thing we can do is fight back and stay strong.” Regarding whether the draw felt like a loss, Ake responded, “When you are three goals up it feels like a defeat when you give up three goals at home.” He described it as “tough now, a tough night,” but emphasized the need to focus on the upcoming match, stating, “the only thing we can do is look forward to the next one. Liverpool is a big game and it is another challenge to overcome.” Addressing whether the team’s issues were mental, Ake commented, “Maybe it is. It is difficult to say.” He highlighted the unusual nature of their predicament, asserting, “Obviously we have not been in this situation many times but this is where we have to show our character. When everything seems to go against us and everyone is writing us off, we have to stay strong mentally, believe in ourselves and stick together.” He concluded by noting that “Every season there is a period when they write us off,” and stressed the importance of the team and staff remaining strong to overcome the current challenges.