Mateo Kovacic is studying videos with Pep Guardiola to help improve his defensive positioning as he looks to cover for Rodri – but admits ‘the beginning was tough’ at Man City

Mateo Kovacic is studying videos to help curb his attacking instincts as Manchester City go into another title defence knowing that finding cover for the ever-present Rodri is imperative.

The Spain midfielder, who is due to return from a post-European Championship holiday in the coming days, twice admitted last season that he had featured too often without rest.

Pep Guardiola has been reticent to rotating in Rodri’s position – particularly given City’s fulcrum has lost just once in his last 75 matches for the club, and unbeaten in 50 Premier League games.

But with noises around City being that they won’t dip into the transfer market for another midfielder, the likes of Kovacic will be required to carry the load in unfamiliar territory – starting in Saturday’s Community Shield against Manchester United.

‘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)

Pep Guardiola has been reticent to rotating in Rodri’s defensive midfield position

Kovacic (right) explained that he and Guardiola (left) have been watching videos together to help improve his defensive positioning

‘What is asked of the No 6 is to hold the position, to stay there and to not get too much involved in going everywhere, which is sometimes difficult for a guy that is used to going. 

‘The manager obviously explains and we are watching on video so we know what we have to do. 

‘I like when I have support because I haven’t played so much there on my own. I think it’s more difficult because you have to cover the space better because you’re on your own, you’re not in a two.’

Kovacic is expected to feature in a midfield two at Wembley. The Croatian’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.

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

The 30-year-old impressed next to Rodri during the run-in, when City chased down Arsenal, and has now adapted to Guardiola’s ethos – which could re-open the possibility of him operating at the base of midfield alone.

‘The beginning was tough,’ Kovacic added. ‘There were a few setbacks. It’s not easy to get all the stuff the coach asked from you so quickly. Once you learn, you see it makes a lot of sense.’