Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic were not at their brilliant best against Wolves.
Speaking after his side’s 2-1 defeat against Gary O’Neil’s side (via Manchester Evening News), he had his say on the pair’s outings.
Pep Guardiola believes that Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic shared a common weakness in their performances for Manchester City against Wolves on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola points out how Ruben Dias & Mateo Kovacic weakened Manchester City against Wolves
Branded as ‘magnificent’ by Eamon Dunphy, the Portuguese defender has picked up where he left off from the previous campaign this season.
Similarly, Kovacic has largely been terrific for City and has looked like the archetypal Guardiola central midfielder.
But Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes both Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic were sloppy on the ball against Wolves, which played a key role in hampering his side’s attacking threat.
“When they defended that well and Kovacic and Ruben had to attack central defenders of their opponents and they didn’t do it, that’s why it was more difficult”, he said.
Mateo Kovacic alongside Nathan Ake was the worst player on the pitch
While Ruben Dias may not have had his best day in possession, even Pep Guardiola would likely agree that Mateo Kovacic was far worse on the ball than him at the Molineux Stadium.
Operating as Rodri’s replacement in defensive midfield, the Croatian international looked far from a natural fit.
Kovacic was simply too vertical with his passing as he constantly tried to pick Haaland out in behind Wolves’ defence, which led to City ceding possession time and again.
Defensively as well, much like Nathan Ake, he had a nightmare of a time trying to stop the hosts from being a nuisance in transition.
While Dias may not have had his finest afternoon, Kovacic showcased that the No.6 role does not suit him one bit.
