Mateo Kovacic has only been a Manchester City player for a matter of weeks, but already Pep Guardiola is trying to change his position.
Kovacic became City’s first signing of the summer transfer window when he made a £25m switch from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The Croatian midfielder is arguably one of the most accomplished players in world football, having won the Champions League four times and featured in a World Cup final squad.
Kovacic has played for Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea, and at the age of 29 probably thought he knew his position on the field inside-out.
Well, after City’s pre-season tour in Japan and South Korea he has had to think again.
Guardiola tweaks Kovacic’s position
In typical Guardiola fashion, the City boss has set about rewiring Kovacic’s understanding of the game so that he can perfectly perform his role in the team.
“I’m new, it’ll not be easy but life is about challenges,” Kovacic said, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“I’m at City to learn movements, be ready. As a midfielder everyone wants to be coached by him [Pep Guardiola], to learn and improve, working under such an amazing manager; a big part of why I came [to City].
“I’m feeling a bit like I’m in two positions at the moment but he wants me getting more forward and more involved in attacks. I played a little bit deeper at Chelsea.”
MCN view: Fans must be patient with Kovacic
As City fans we all know by now that new signings can take a season to adapt to Guardiola’s demands and methods.
Even as a highly decorated player who has seen it all, Kovacic will be no exception.
There were glimpses during City’s pre-season matches of what the Croatian will bring to the team, but there are positional details that he will need to get his head around, especially if Guardiola is tweaking his role.
