Manchester City unveiled their new 'Oasis' themed kit when they opened their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan on Tuesday, and Manuel Akanji could have been forgiven for looking back in anger. The new fourth team strip, sold under the name 'Definitely City', has been co-designed by singer Noel Gallagher.
The release is timely, with publicity around the band currently at fever pitch following the announcement of their reunion tour in 2025.
The new yellow and blue and shirts have thus far received mixed reviews from fans, and also left Akanji confused in an embarrassing moment for the defender against Inter.
The 29-year-old passed the ball straight over the touchline, later admitting the fluorescent yellow top worn by the assistant referee had left him flummoxed. "I liked the kit a lot, but I got confused with the referee on the sideline and thought it was Bernardo and passed the ball to him," he told beINSPORTS.
However, that's not to say he thought the kit should be ditched, adding: "But otherwise I like it a lot and look forward to playing in it again. Maybe the referees should change colour."
It's not the first time a Premier League side has been left lamenting problems due to the colour of their kit. Back in 1996, Manchester United famously changed strips at half time when 3-0 down against Southampton, after players claimed the new grey kit was difficult to see clearly.
And back in April 2017, Swansea player Renato Sanches side footed a pass into the advertising hoarding when under no pressure. The Portuguese international seemingly thought the red board, which matched the colour of his side's away kit, was a team-mate.
But while Swiss international Akanji was able to take his mistake in good humour, there was less to laugh about in terms of the result. City failed to score in a Champions League game for the first time since October 2022 as they began their League Phase with a 0-0 draw.
"I think it's alright," he said of the result. "Obviously we wanted three points today. It was frustrating towards the end, especially from 80 minutes onwards - we had two or three chances where we could and maybe should have scored a goal.
"But it happens sometimes and if you can't create anything then it's especially important that as a team you defend well and don't concede a goal. We take the point in the end and I think they are one of the best teams in the group stage so it's alright."
Akanji has been on the field for every every minute of City's 2024/25 campaign so far, but despite previously threatening to retire amid the hectic schedule, he insisted he was happy to keep playing. "It's always the goal to stay fit and be available for the team," he added. "We have eight group stage games and now have 21 points to get. We've got to really take care of our bodies and make sure we stay healthy."
