Following a solid performance in Manchester City’s 3-2 triumph against Fulham, Mateo Kovacic has expressed hope in assuming the role of injured Rodri in their midfield.
On Saturday, Kovacic turned out to be the unusual hero for Pep Guardiola’s team. He scored twice and was crucial as City triumphantly defeated Fulham. Since Rodri tore his ACL last month and Guardiola had to look for other options in midfield, the current Premier League winners have been having trouble matching their best form.
Kovacic changed from City’s typical double-pivot formation deployed since Rodri’s injury by being in a single pivot role at the Etihad Stadium throughout the game. Previously with Real Madrid, Kovacic stepped up to cover up the hole and had a significant impact on midfield.
Kovacic on Changing Rodri
Kovacic discussed his new position with the media, covering for Rodri: “I am playing there in the center at the moment and naturally, we need to cover for Rodri; we miss him a lot. Any team would miss him, the player he is, and we wish him a quick recovery and hope he returns in as best form as feasible.”
Kovacic underlined the importance of adaptation and flexibility amid Rodri’s absence: “For now we have to adapt and definitely the manager has a lot of options so we can rotate.”
The success of the Croatian midfielder has generated debate on whether he may be a long-term fix for Rodri’s recovery, therefore giving Guardiola a strong midfield choice as City negotiates the remainder of the season.
