by Manuel Akanji has joined teammate Abdukodir Khusanov after a torrid start to his Manchester City career.
Khusanov, the 20-year-old centre-back signed last week from Lens, was thrown straight into the deep end when Pep Guardiola named him in the starting line-up for Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea.
The Uzbek international suffered a baptism of fire when he made an error which led to a Chelsea goal and was booked within four minutes, but City rallied to win 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium and return to the top four .
“Obviously it wasn’t a good start for Khusanov, but I think he recovered very well,” said compatriot Akanji, who was City’s only fully fit senior centre-back.
“It’s not easy to play your first match here at home against Chelsea. We tried to pick him up and I think he did well after that.
“I tried to protect him and not bring him into situations where it could be really tricky, especially against a team like Chelsea, who have so many good individual players.
“I just tried to pick him up and tell him not to think too much but to keep going, maybe return the safest pass to Eddy (Ederson) on his next play and win his next duel to find his confidence.
“I think it’s the only thing you can really do.”
Chelsea took the lead in the third minute after Nicolas Jackson dived on Khusanov’s weak back header to create Noni Madueke.
Khusanov was later convicted for hacking Cole Palmer and things could have gotten significantly worse as he was beaten by the same player shortly after.
But Chelsea spurned that opening and City steadied themselves with Josko Gvardiol’s leveling and the proven duo of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden settling the game in the second half.
Khusanov remained in the game until the 54th minute, while his compatriot Omar Marmoush produced a lively 74-minute run-out.
City’s victory was a morale boost after their midweek capitulation at Paris St Germain and put them in good spirits for Wednesday’s crucial encounter against Brugge, which they must win to stay in the Champions League.
Akanji said: “I think we had a great performance and we just have to keep going.
“We only have big games left for the rest of the season as we put ourselves in this position in the Champions League and the league.
“We better put in a performance like this on Wednesday so we can qualify for the play-offs because it’s our last chance.”
Chelsea captain Reece James felt the visitors should have capitalized more on their early dominance.
“It’s frustrating not to come away with more,” the right-back told the club’s website. “We had another chance shortly after scoring and maybe things could have been a little different.
“Goals are what makes players, builds teams, wins matches and wins titles and when the ball doesn’t fall for you it’s difficult, especially when you play against tough teams.
