There is good news from the Manchester City camp: Mateo Kovacic has returned to training on the field after a long injury. Josep Guardiola did not hide this fact either - he openly stated that the return of the Croatian midfielder is very important for the team.
Kovacic's condition is not a short message for City that "an ordinary player is injured." Because he has his own unique style of keeping the ball in the center, making cool decisions even under pressure and correctly controlling the pace. Guardiola's main emphasis is also here: Kovacic has started working on the field, feels good and can be useful at the decisive stage.
Of course, the biggest condition for such a return is one: not to rush. Manchester City are entering the most intense part of the season, and at such a time there is a desire to “prepare” a player faster. But the body after an injury works differently: the pace of the game does not forgive everything just because you say “I want it”. Therefore, the first issue for Guardiola is Kovacic's health and full recovery.
According to public sources, Kovacic's problem is related to an Achilles/ankle injury, which he underwent surgery on last summer, followed by another additional medical intervention. Because of this, he was sidelined for a long time and is only now returning to individual field training.
What will Kovacic's return give City? Firstly, rotation. In the decisive stage of the season, every game is like a “final”, and the team can fight on several fronts at once. Secondly, ball control and safe passing. The basis of Guardiola's football is this: if you keep the ball, you give the opponent fewer chances. And Kovacic is very useful in this role.
The player himself is known for his psychologically tough character: he has experienced the pressure of big clubs, has come out of "smoky" games in various championships. Previously, he played for Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea, and then it was officially announced that he would join Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
In short, this does not mean "the starting lineup tomorrow". But the fact that he is on the field and starting training is the biggest step. And for the fans, this is already a good mood: if Kovacic returns, the center of "City" will be even deeper, and in the difficult moments of the game, a "cold mind" will be on the field again. Now all that is needed is to return healthy and fully fit.
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