JUST NOW: I’m not pleased by Pep Guardiola’s statement that the £180,000-per-week Manchester City player must improve immediately now or he will have to…

Pep Guardiola has admitted that it is time that Manuel Akanji returns to his brilliant best.

Recently, Frank Leboeuf claimed that the Swiss international was not playing at the level he was during his debut season at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City are in the business end of the season, with silverware at stake and as a result, they will need their top players like the £180,000-a-week (Sport Rac) man to be firing on all cylinders.

Pep Guardiola says Manuel Akanji must get back to form

After City’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, Martin Keown admitted that he was “shocked” to see the 28-year-old start in midfield, as he felt he is much more comfortable as a part of the backline.

Craig Burley claimed that if defenders like the former Borussia Dortmund centre-back do not improve their displays, the Sky Blues will not retain the Premier League and the Champions League title.

Now, Pep Guardiola has stated that Manuel Akanji must get back to his form.

“There are players that take rhythm more quickly, but Manu [Manuel Akanji] was injured for two, three, four weeks. I rely a lot on Manu, an incredible player and I will decide who plays, that’s all. And as much games you play, the more rhythm you have. That’s normal”, he said [via HaytersTV].

Guardiola added, “Manu needs to come back to form. The previous games were not in the right rhythm and we need everyone in rhythm. Manu played really, really good [vs Chelsea]. And the moment we read the second half what we should do, he increased his level.”

Manuel Akanji should be benched against Brentford if the plan is to start him in midfield

Unless Pep Guardiola intends to start Manuel Akanji as an out-and-out defender, he should not play him against Brentford.

Considering Akanji is yet to convince as a makeshift midfielder in possession, a Bees side that employs a tireless high-press could have a field day against him.

The contest would likely turn into a basketball match of sorts, which would be ideal for the visitors at the Etihad Stadium, as was the case last season when they beat them 2-1 right before the World Cup.

If Manuel Akanji plays as a centre-back or as either a right-back or a left-back, he should be trusted to get the job done against Brentford.

But in midfield, Thomas Frank’s side could pinpoint the treble-winner as City’s weak link and potentially cause an upset.