Mateo Kovacic is gearing up for a pivotal role in Manchester City’s upcoming season, but it’s not just about fitness and physical preparation for the Croatian midfielder.
In a bid to refine his game, Kovacic has been dedicating time to studying video footage, with a specific focus on honing his positioning skills.
As Manchester City embarks on another title defense, one of the key challenges facing Pep Guardiola’s squad is ensuring adequate cover for Rodri, their stalwart midfielder.
Rodri, who will soon return from his post-European Championship break, has been a central figure for City, rarely missing a game.
However, even he has acknowledged that the lack of rest has taken its toll.
Pep Guardiola has been hesitant to rotate Rodri, especially given his remarkable record with City – losing just once in his last 75 matches and remaining unbeaten in 50 Premier League games.
With rumors suggesting that City may not bring in another midfielder this transfer window, Kovacic could find himself stepping into an unfamiliar role, starting with the Community Shield clash against Manchester United.
Kovacic’s Learning Curve
Kovacic is aware of the challenges that come with playing in the No. 6 position, particularly the need to resist the urge to get too involved in the attack.
He mentioned, “The positioning – to stay, to cover, to not get caught up with the ball – is something I have to improve.”
The Croatian midfielder acknowledges that playing as a No. 6 requires a more disciplined approach, something he’s working on with the help of Guardiola and detailed video analysis.
Adapting to a New Role
Kovacic’s experience playing alongside Rodri during City’s run-in last season, where they successfully chased down Arsenal, has helped him adapt to Guardiola’s system.
Despite a challenging start and a few setbacks, Kovacic is beginning to see the value in the tactical demands placed on him.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “The beginning was tough. There were a few setbacks. It’s not easy to get all the stuff the coach asked from you so quickly. Once you learn, you see it makes a lot of sense.”
Looking Ahead
As the season approaches, Kovacic is expected to feature more prominently, potentially even in a midfield pairing at Wembley.
With his growing understanding of the No. 6 role, Kovacic may soon be trusted to anchor the midfield on his own, providing the much-needed support for Rodri and helping City in their quest for continued dominance.
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