Josko Gvardiol Aims for Key Role as Manchester City Pre-Season Begins in Hong Kong
After drawing a mental line under the “chaotic” end to his World Cup experience, Josko Gvardiol has set his sights on the “fight” to be a key figure in Manchester City’s new era under Enzo Maresca. The 24-year-old Croatian defender will play under the Italian manager for the first time when the club faces Inter Milan at Kai Tak Stadium this Saturday.
Signed by Manchester City in 2023, shortly after Maresca left his coaching post to take over at Leicester City, Gvardiol is now preparing to work with his new boss. “Every time a new manager comes you need to fight for your position, and show yourself in the best light,” he told the South China Morning Post.
Gvardiol had a goal controversially chalked off in the dying seconds of Croatia’s 2-1 last-32 World Cup defeat by Portugal earlier this month. The defender is eager to prove himself under Maresca, who has taken over from Pep Guardiola, known for his outstanding decade-long tenure.
The ongoing pre-season will also accelerate Gvardiol's return to peak health following a broken shinbone that sidelined him for most of the second half of last season. “In training over the past three days we’ve been building from the back, so as a player who likes the ball at my feet, I really enjoy it,” he added.
The match against Inter Milan marks an important step in Gvardiol's journey with Manchester City and his new manager. With a five-year contract already signed, the defender is ready to compete for his place in the squad and contribute to the team’s success under Maresca.
