Kovačić: City Counts on Me, Rumors Don't Affect Me
Croatian midfielder confident in his role despite expensive signings and interest from Italian clubs.
Croatian midfielder confident in his role despite expensive signings and interest from Italian clubs.
Croatian international Mateo Kovačić has stated that he feels no pressure at Manchester City due to transfer rumors, emphasizing that the club has made it clear they count on him. The experienced 32-year-old midfielder is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, with Italian media speculating about interest from Juventus and his former club, Inter Milan.
Despite a season marred by Achilles tendon and ankle injuries, which limited him to just nine appearances for the "Citizens," Kovačić is determined to fight for his place in the team. After the friendly match against Inter played on Saturday, where he got the first 45 minutes, he made it clear he is not thinking about a return to Italy.
City's new coach, Enzo Maresca, gave a somewhat unconvincing answer when asked about Kovačić's future. "Mateo is our player; while he's here, I'll give my all. It's my duty to try to help players give their best. If he's here, I'm happy, and we'll continue working with him," Maresca told BBC Football.
On the other hand, Kovačić's message was crystal clear. "I didn't feel any question marks from them. I spoke with them, they said they count on me, which was important for me to hear from them. And now, as I said, it's always up to the player to show his best version, because if you play well, the coach will put you in the spotlight," said the Croatian international.
Kovačić could get additional playing time at the start of the season due to the injury of key midfielder Rodri. The Spanish World Cup winner is recovering from back surgery and will not be ready for the first part of the competition. Kovačić is aware he can step into his role.
"I've played with Rodri and without him. So, now that he's not here, I can fill that position, but we'll see when he returns," he added. However, competition in midfield is extremely strong. Alongside Kovačić, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, and the club's new record signing, Elliot Anderson, will also be vying for a spot in the middle of the park.
The 23-year-old Anderson arrived from Nottingham Forest for £116 million and has not yet joined his teammates due to an extended break after representing England at the World Cup. Last season, he played all 38 Premier League matches.
Kovačić has only words of praise for the young Englishman. "I think he brings a lot of quality, a lot of physical strength because he's shown he can run a lot, that he's good with the ball and without it. He's young, so he can still improve a lot at City, and I think it's a great signing for us," he highlighted.
He also commented on the incredible sums spent on midfielders in the Premier League, such as £115 million for Moises Caicedo, £106 million for Enzo Fernandez, or £100 million for Declan Rice. "I think it's the best league, and the best players are here. There are some incredible midfielders. Newcastle's Bruno, Aston Villa has many good midfielders. United is now bringing in midfielders. So, I think every club has some great midfielders," Kovačić concluded.
