Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic says he is working hard to learn a more defensive role under the instructions of Pep Guardiola this season.
The Premier League champions are looking to win their fifth consecutive title under the Spaniard but must withstand a challenge from Arsenal as they look to win their first crown since 2004.
Midfield will be a key area for City and they will need the likes of Kovacic and Rodri to be at their best if they are to compete.
The Spanish maestro is fresh off winning Euro 2024 this summer and has played a lot of football over the last 12 months.
It likely means he will need to be managed a bit more in 2024-25 and for that reason, Guardiola has asked Kovacic to learn a more defensive position to provide cover.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, the 30-year-old said: “The positioning – to stay, to cover, to not get caught up with the ball – is a thing I have to improve.
Mateo Kovacic on covering for Rodri: “Positioning – to stay, cover, not get caught with the ball – I have to improve. What’s asked of the No 6 is to hold position, stay and not get too involved in going everywhere, which is sometimes difficult for a guy that’s used to going…”
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 9, 2024
“What is asked of the No.6 is to hold the position, to stay there and to not get too much involved in going everywhere, which is sometimes difficult for a guy that is used to going.
“The manager obviously explains and we are watching on video so we know what we have to do.
“I like when I have support because I haven’t played so much there on my own. I think it’s more difficult because you have to cover the space better because you’re on your own, you’re not in a two.”
City kick off their title defence against Chelsea next Sunday but must first face rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday.
