Akanji, Haaland mentally set to battle Dortmund –Pep

Nigeria born Swiss international Manuel Akanji and fellow Manchester City new buy Erling Haaland are mentally prepared to battle their former Club Borussia Dortmund City coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

The duo have been thrown into the ring in the Champions League against their former club in a tie where desire to win will be put over emotions.

Guardiola said of their Champions League group clash: “We spoke in general, not specifically. I spoke to the players about what they think. But tomorrow when the game starts, the quality of the players will make the difference.

“I don’t know [whether Haaland can be the difference in the Champions League. The whole team is doing well and behaving well.”

Akanji born to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father was widely criticised for his costly errors during Dortmund’s failed challenge to Bayern during the 2019–20 season.

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Akanji was one of the main players singled out as a weak link in the team, but the early this month the 27 year old joined Manchester City with high hopes of making a huge impact with a new opportunity to take his career to the next level.