Mateo Kovacic has suggested that if Josko Gvardiol signed for Manchester City, he would thrive under Pep Guardiola.
As quoted by the Daily Mail, the Croatian midfielder gave his two cents on his fellow countryman’s rumoured transfer to City, after it was reported on Monday that he is keen for talks to be concluded before the season begins.
According to Mateo Kovacic, there is no better manager than Pep Guardiola to nurture a talent like Manchester City-linked defender Josko Gvardiol.
Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic suggests Pep Guardiola is the perfect manager for Josko Gvardiol
Branded as ‘unreal’ by GiveMeSport, the 21-year-old seems to suit City’s style of play already.
With how comfortable Gvardiol is on the ball and his tactical versatility, he would be tailor-made to boss proceedings in sky blue.
Mateo Kovacic backs Josko Gvardiol to be one hell of a signing for Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola suggested as the ideal manager to hone his potential.
“Josko has great potential. He can come here and learn and be the best version of himself. I’d obviously like it, I’m a good friend with him and he’s Croatian. It would be nice to have a Croatian by my side here.”
Mateo Kovacic also explained why Josko Gvardiol would succeed at Manchester City in the event of a move, while also touching on the Pep Guardiola factor.
“He’s already played a lot of big games. He is ready for this step.
I think it’s a good time [to join Manchester City]. They are on a great run, a very confident team and a team you can learn from. They have possibly the best manager in history. So, I came here to join a great group and to try to learn. He’s still young but he’s mature. He doesn’t need much advice. He had a great World Cup and a great season with Leipzig.”
Josko Gvardiol is the Catalan’s archetypal centre-back, especially in 2023
Mateo Kovacic makes a strong case for Josko Gvardiol to be a blockbuster hit at Manchester City and crucially under Pep Guardiola.
In fact, especially considering the Spaniard’s public insistence on ‘proper defenders’, the youngster certainly fits the mould.
Josko Gvardiol is an adept reader of the game, while physically, he is not merely a specimen but is athletic enough to also defend in wide areas and win duels.
And on the ball, the highly-rated central defender is not only an expert passer but is also a cracking ball-carrier, which makes him the ideal Guardiola centre-half.
