Pep Guardiola used a cordial birthday phone call to Netherlands boss Ronaldo Koeman to make a cheeky request about one of his Manchester City players.
Guardiola has already seen two of his City squad pick up concerning injuries, and had sent his players off on international duty telling them to look after themselves to return to the Etihad in the best shape to continue their title race.
Key to their recent form has been Nathan Ake, who has emerged as first choice at left-back in the absence of Joao Cancelo. Ake started in the Netherlands' heavy defeat to France, and Guardiola is clearly concerned about the fitness of his versatile defender.
