“I’ve spoken to Pep” – Manchester City star admits it’s ‘difficult’ to deal with lack of minutes

Manchester City's Nathan Ake

Nathan Ake has won trophy after trophy at Manchester City, but this season he has been put to a test he did not expect.

This is something he is willing to accept An interview with De Telegraaf this week. The 31-year-old revealed he has spoken to Pep Guardiola about his situation at the Etihad.

Reduced role at Manchester City

Nathan Ake has started only six of Manchester City’s 40 games in the Premier League and Champions League this season.

Instead he featured more regularly in the League Cup, even playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 win over Arsenal at Wembley in March. it was 15th Major trophy of his career, yet his club role has diminished compared to previous seasons.

Ake is not hiding from this fact. He has already indicated that he will leave in the summer. And he admits that it is difficult to deal with, especially on a mental level.

“Honestly, it’s hard to deal with sometimes,” He said.

“Also, because I was in the starting lineup more in recent years than this season. I have also talked to the manager (Pep Guardiola) about this. He also indicated that things are a little different this year.

“Mentally, it demands a little more sometimes. You always have to be prepared when you have to play suddenly, like last weekend. Then people also expect you to be at your best.”

Ronald Koeman remains confident

While his minutes have decreased at Manchester City, his place in the Netherlands team has not. Ronald Koeman sees him as a reliable pillar for the World Cup.

After sitting on the bench in a 2–1 win over Norway, he was seen playing 77 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Ecuador. He is grateful for the support of his national team.

“I’m very grateful for it in any case,” He added.

“We have a good relationship (him and Koeman). We have known each other for how many years now? Quite a long time. I always try to repay the trust I receive by being ready.

“We still have a few months at the club. I think the coach knows me quite well, and I know the coach quite well too. I’ll just keep going, and we’ll see what happens.”

captain’s armband

Another League Cup win wasn’t Nathan Ake’s only success in the last few weeks. He was allowed to wear the captain’s armband for the Netherlands for more than 20 minutes in the second half.

This is something he has been trying to fight against Virgil van Dijk for some time.

“It was a great moment. It had never happened before. I often asked Virgil (who is the first captain), ‘Just give me five minutes,’ but the guy wants to play everything,” the Hague native said with a laugh.

Nathan Ake will have one year left on his Manchester City contract in the summer. Given his earlier words and his frustration within minutes, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be able to get that deal done.


#Ive #spoken #Pep #Manchester #City #star #admits #difficult #deal #lack #minutes

National manager tells player to handle Leeds United minutes himself

leeds united

Suriname manager Henk ten Cate has revealed he has taken a tough stance with Leeds United striker Joel Pirlo over his lack of minutes at Elland Road this season.

VG Sport Cover Ten Cate’s comments today regarding the Leeds striker. He is preparing for his international break with his new nation.

Pirro switched his allegiance to Suriname earlier this year. He was officially called up for the international break last week.

The Leeds United player could now be ready for the World Cup this summer. Undoubtedly, that tournament is a major motivation behind the change of allegiance.

Disappointing leeds united season

The added motivation will be especially true after a disappointing season with Leeds United. Joel Pirlo was one of their star men as they were promoted last season. He also has 74 goals in the Championship over four seasons with Leeds and Swansea City.

Joel Pirlo told to make the most of Leeds United's minutes
Joel Pirlo told to make the most of Leeds United’s minutes

However, life in the Premier League has been difficult. He is yet to score in the league and has only managed 217 minutes in total as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has established himself as the number one under Daniel Farke.

Pirlo had to watch the match from the sidelines, but he made an impact by scoring two goals in the FA Cup win over Norwich City two weeks earlier.

Lack of minutes isn’t a concern for Ten Kate. But still he has issued a warning to the Leeds United striker.

“He doesn’t play regularly for Leeds but is at the highest level club,” He said.

“The English league is by far the strongest in the world. It could be that you sit on the bench. I’ve told Joel he has to work really hard.

“When the opportunity comes, you have to take it. He did that against Norwich. He played a very good game and scored an important goal.”

summer decision needed

Fortunately for Joel Pirlo, a lack of minutes for Leeds United this summer is unlikely to harm his chances of going to the World Cup.

He will likely be hoping to use that tournament to market himself. The Netherlands-born player will surely have to make a decision about his future at Elland Road one way or another.

It’s clear he’s not a sure-fire Park to Daniel Farke’s plans, especially given Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s continued influence.

During the January window, they talked about winter exits.

“To be honest, it’s not in the plan right now,” Piro said.

“You never know, what if an opportunity comes up that you can’t refuse? But personally, I’m not really looking forward to making any moves this winter. Especially because the season is still relatively short and there’s very little time to adapt elsewhere. I think it would be very difficult.”

At the time, Ipswich Town were keen on a permanent transfer. The Leeds United player did not want to move in the winter and was also unwilling to switch championships.

When summer arrives, a different decision may need to be made.


#National #manager #tells #player #handle #Leeds #United #minutes

Canadiens Stun Oilers: Score 3 Goals in Under 2 Minutes in Thrilling NHL Clash


Canadiens Stun Oilers: Score 3 Goals in Under 2 Minutes in Thrilling NHL Clash

In a season defined by unpredictable outcomes, the recent face-off between the Montreal Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers has sent shockwaves through the hockey world. For sports enthusiasts in India, where the NHL (National Hockey League) is rapidly gaining a dedicated following, this match was a masterclass in momentum and high-octane drama.

The Oilers, led by superstars like Connor McDavid, entered the arena as heavy favorites. However, the Canadiens proved that in professional hockey, the scoreboard can change in the blink of an eye. In an incredible display of offensive efficiency, Montreal managed to find the back of the net three times in less than 120 seconds, turning a tight contest into a stunning upset.

The “Blitz” That Decided the Game

The highlight of the night occurred in the second period. While the Oilers were attempting to establish their signature puck-possession game, a series of defensive lapses allowed Montreal to pounce. Small windows of opportunity were converted into clinical finishes.

The rapid-fire scoring sequence began with a breakaway goal, followed immediately by a turnover in the neutral zone that led to the second. Before the Oilers’ coaching staff could even consider a timeout, a third puck zipped past the goaltender. This “three-goal blitz” is officially one of the fastest scoring streaks in the Canadiens’ recent history.

Understanding Hockey Scores and Momentum

For Indian fans who are more accustomed to the steady flow of cricket or the frantic pace of kabaddi, hockey scores can be deceiving. A 2-0 lead in hockey is often called “the worst lead in sports” because of how quickly a trailing team can equalise.

The Canadiens’ performance highlighted the importance of “puck luck” and transition play. While Edmonton outshot Montreal for much of the game, the Canadiens’ ability to capitalise on high-danger scoring chances ensured their victory. This unpredictability is exactly why NHL betting and viewership are seeing an uptick in the Indian subcontinent.

Key Takeaways from the Montreal vs. Edmonton Clash

  • Goaltending Excellence: Despite the offensive explosion, Montreal’s goaltending remained rock solid against McDavid’s onslaught.
  • Defensive Lapses: The Oilers’ defense struggled to clear the “crease,” allowing Montreal second-chance opportunities.
  • Speed Kills: The Canadiens used their youthful roster to outrun an experienced but slower Oilers backline.

Conclusion

The Montreal Canadiens’ stunning victory over the Edmonton Oilers serves as a reminder of why the NHL is considered the most exciting hockey league in the world. By scoring three goals in under two minutes, Montreal didn’t just win a game; they created a highlight reel that will be discussed for the rest of the season. As more Indian fans tune into platforms like ESPN+ or Star Sports to catch hockey scores, matches like this serve as the perfect gateway to becoming a lifelong fan of the ice.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I check live NHL hockey scores in India?

Indian fans can check live NHL scores on the official NHL app, ESPN.com, or through Google’s real-time sports updates. Many sports news portals in India have also started dedicated sections for ice hockey.

2. How common is it to score 3 goals in 2 minutes in the NHL?

It is extremely rare. While most teams struggle to score three goals in an entire game, doing so in under two minutes usually requires a combination of perfect offensive execution and a total defensive breakdown by the opponent.

3. Who are the star players to watch in the Oilers and Canadiens teams?

For the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the primary threats. For the Montreal Canadiens, young talents like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are the players driving the team’s resurgence.

4. What time are NHL games usually broadcast in India?

Due to the time zone difference, NHL games usually air in India between 4:30 AM and 8:30 AM IST. Weekend afternoon games in the US may occasionally air at more convenient late-evening times in India.

Watch as Montreal Canadiens’ Josh Anderson starts the flurry of goals before Cole Caufield scored back-to-back as the Canadiens scored three goals in 1:52 vs. the Edmonton Oilers to take the lead.
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