Manchester City star reveals ‘watching videos’ to understand ‘difficult’ new position

Mateo Kovacic has revealed that he is aiming to understand the complexities of the defensive midfield role mastered by Rodrigo by ‘watching videos’ of the position.

The Croatian international has been occupying his largely new-found position during Manchester City’s opening five contests of pre-season and into the competitive campaign under Pep Guardiola thus far.

As well as starring in the lone defensive midfield role, Kovacic has also worked alongside Academy graduate Nico O’Reilly in a double-pivot, with the latter showcasing an excellent ability to settle into senior men’s football almost immediately.

But Mateo Kovacic’s ability to work in the defensive midfield role has not been without significant effort on both the player and manager’s side, with the player revealing the extent to which he has studied what is expected of him.

Speaking during an interview last week, Mateo Kovacic revealed the process being undertaken to understand his new role and challenge of operating in defensive midfield this season, as Pep Guardiola looks to identify a capable back-up to Rodri.

“The positioning – to stay, to cover, to not get caught up with the ball – is a thing I have to improve,” said Kovacic. “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.”

He continued, in comments relayed by MailSport, “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.”

Reflecting on his opening few months with the Premier League champions last season, having joined from Chelsea in a move worth around £30 million, Mateo Kovacic admitted, “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.”

Kovacic could continue his stay in defensive midfield this weekend when Manchester City take on his former club at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the brand new 2024/25 Premier League season.

Mainstay defensive midfielder and recently crowned European Championship winner Rodrigo is not expected back at the City Football Academy for his pre-season training until Wednesday, having been granted an extended break away from Manchester City duties.

His competitors in the final of Euro 2024 – Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden – all returned to Manchester City’s training base on Monday, undertaking their compulsory fitness testing and basic check-ups after their holiday periods.