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 studies videos to keep his attacking instincts in check as Manchester City defend their title once again, knowing he must find cover for the ever-present Rodri.

The Spanish midfielder, who will soon return from a holiday after the European Championship, admitted twice last season that he was playing too often without rest.

Pep Guardiola has been reluctant to rotate Rodri’s position, especially as City’s mainstay has lost just once in his last 75 games for the club and is unbeaten in 50 Premier League games.

But with rumours circulating that City will not be diving into the transfer market for a new midfielder, Kovacic will have to shoulder the burden in unfamiliar territory, starting with Saturday’s Community Shield against Manchester United.

“The positioning – staying, covering, not touching the ball – is something I need to improve,” Kovacic said.

Mateo Kovacic (left) studies videos to control his attacking instincts as he prepares to mark Rodri (right)

Pep Guardiola has been reluctant to rotate Rodri’s defensive midfield position

Kovacic (right) explained that he and Guardiola (left) watched videos together to improve his defensive positioning

‘What is asked of the number 6 is that he holds his position, stays there and doesn’t get too involved in going everywhere. That is sometimes difficult for someone who is used to going everywhere.

‘The manager explains it of course and we watch it on video, so we know what to do.

“I like it when I have support, because I haven’t played alone that much. I think it’s harder, because you have to cover the space better, because you’re alone, you’re not in a two.”

Kovacic is expected to play in a two-man midfield at Wembley. The Croatian’s uncharacteristically poor performance as a sole No.6 in a defeat at Wolves last September – which Rodri missed through suspension – deterred Guardiola’s idea of ​​picking Kovacic on his own.

Kovacic is expected to play in midfield for Man City’s match against Man United at Wembley this weekend

The 30-year-old impressed alongside Rodri during the final sprint as City chased Arsenal down, and has now adapted to Guardiola’s ethos – which could open up the possibility of him operating solely in midfield.

“The beginning was tough,” Kovacic added. “There were a few setbacks. It’s not easy to get all the things the coach asks of you so quickly. Once you learn it, you see that it’s very logical.”