Sports

Fans Demand Pep Bench Akanji After FA Cup Struggles

Manchester City fans are voicing their frustration after defender Manuel Akanji delivered a disappointing performance in the FA Cup, sparking calls across social media and fan forums for him to be benched. The outcry follows City’s unexpected struggle in the high-stakes knockout match, where Akanji’s defensive lapses were highlighted as a major concern.

City, known for their usually rock-solid backline under Pep Guardiola, looked surprisingly shaky in defense. Fans were quick to point fingers at Akanji, who failed to close down attackers, misjudged several key passes, and appeared off-pace throughout the match.

Social Media Reactions Spark Controversy

Immediately after the final whistle, hashtags like #BenchAkanji and #CityDefense began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of posts expressing disappointment in the Swiss international’s performance.

One user wrote:
“Akanji has been off for weeks, but this FA Cup game really shows he’s not the man for our defense right now. Bench him!”

Another posted:
“We can’t afford these mistakes in the latter part of the season. He needs rest or a wake-up call.”

While some fans defended Akanji, suggesting that the entire backline was poor on the day, the majority pointed to his lack of urgency and decision-making as key reasons City were nearly knocked out.

Guardiola Faces Lineup Pressure as Fixtures Stack Up

With a packed fixture list ahead — including Premier League clashes, Champions League quarter-finals, and domestic cup competitions — Pep Guardiola is under pressure to rotate and reevaluate his defensive lineup. Akanji, once considered a reliable option, is now seen as a liability by a large section of the fanbase.

Guardiola, however, has remained tight-lipped about the criticism. In his post-match press conference, he chose not to single out any player, stating:

“When we win, we win together. When we lose, we lose together. There were things we didn’t do well, and we’ll work on that in training.”

Still, with John Stones, Ruben Dias, and even young Rico Lewis waiting in the wings, the City manager might consider benching Akanji for upcoming matches to restore confidence in the backline.

Akanji’s Form: A Bigger Concern?

Manuel Akanji joined Manchester City in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund and quickly impressed fans with his intelligence, composure, and technical skills. But this season has painted a different picture. He has been inconsistent, struggling particularly against high-pressing teams and quick counterattacks.

Football pundit Jamie Carragher, during a post-match analysis on Sky Sports, noted:

“There’s a gap between what Akanji was last season and what we’re seeing now. He looks tired, possibly mentally and physically. Maybe he needs a break.”

Stats back this claim. According to FBRef, Akanji’s tackle success rate has dropped by nearly 12% compared to last season, and his errors leading to shots have nearly doubled.

Fan Expectations Higher Than Ever

Manchester City fans have become used to excellence under Guardiola, and with that comes little tolerance for mediocrity. The club’s pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts leaves no room for error, especially in critical knockout games like the FA Cup.

Many fans see benching Akanji as a necessary step rather than a punishment — a way to refocus him and give opportunities to others who have proven their worth in recent outings.

City supporter blog BlueMoonRisingTV ran a poll after the game asking fans whether Akanji should start in the next game. The result? Over 73% voted “No,” supporting the sentiment that it’s time for a defensive shuffle.

What This Means for City’s Defense

If Guardiola chooses to rest Akanji, it could open the door for Ruben Dias and John Stones to reestablish themselves as the main defensive pairing. Additionally, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol could provide cover, depending on the tactical setup.

With the season entering its most crucial stage, Guardiola will need a dependable back four — one that can handle both domestic pressure and European demands. A misstep now could prove costly in the title race or Champions League ambitions.

Akanji’s Response Will Be Key

To his credit, Akanji hasn’t spoken publicly since the FA Cup game. But insiders at the club say he’s aware of the criticism and is working hard in training to bounce back.

A strong showing in the next few weeks, even off the bench, could help him regain trust among the fans. City’s system rewards discipline, and Akanji has shown before that he can rise to the challenge. Whether he gets that chance immediately remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s defensive unit is under the microscope, and Manuel Akanji has become the focal point of fan criticism after a shaky FA Cup showing. As Guardiola looks to refine his squad for the business end of the season, all eyes will be on his next lineup choices — and whether Akanji finds himself on the bench.

If City are to maintain their pursuit of another treble or secure silverware, decisions like these could be the difference between glory and disappointment.