Mateo Kovacic Studies Videos to Improve Defensive Positioning and Cover for Rodri

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been studying videos to enhance his defensive positioning, a crucial aspect of his game as he prepares to provide midfield cover for Rodri in the upcoming season.

Kovacic, who is set to return from his post-European Championship holiday, acknowledges that he needs to improve his ability to stay in position, cover, and not get caught up with the ball. The 30-year-old Croatian has been working with Pep Guardiola to analyze videos and develop his skills in this area.

With City unlikely to dip into the transfer market for another midfielder, Kovacic will be required to take on additional responsibilities, including playing in unfamiliar territory. The Spain midfielder has previously admitted that he featured too often without rest last season, and City’s fulcrum has lost just once in his last 75 matches for the club, remaining unbeaten in 50 Premier League games.

Kovacic’s new approach is a significant departure from his natural attacking instincts, but he recognizes the importance of adapting to Guardiola’s ethos. “The positioning – to stay, to cover, to not get caught up with the ball – is a thing I have to improve,” Kovacic said.

Mateo Kovacic (left) is studying videos to help curb his attacking instincts as he prepares to cover for Rodri (right)

Kovacic’s uncharacteristically poor display as a single No 6 during a defeat at Wolves last September – which Rodri missed through suspension – halted Guardiola’s idea to pick Kovacic on his own. However, the Croatian’s impressive performances alongside Rodri during the run-in, when City chased down Arsenal, have now adapted to Guardiola’s ethos, which could re-open the possibility of him operating at the base of midfield alone.

Kovacic is expected to feature in a midfield two at Wembley during the Community Shield against Manchester United this weekend. The 30-year-old has acknowledged that the beginning was tough, but he has now learned to appreciate the sense behind Guardiola’s approach.

Kovacic is expected to feature in the midfield two during Man City’s clash against Man United at Wembley this weekend

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