Kovacic takes just two weeks to learn secrets of Man City under Guardiola
Manchester new boy Mateo Kovacic has hailed Pep Guardiola as the best coach in the world - and revealed it has taken him just two weeks to discover why the treble winners are in a league of their own.
Kovacic, 29, joined the Blues in a £30million deal from Chelsea, having already played for Real Madrid and Inter Milan earlier in his career.
But the Croatian midfielder has been stunned by the quality of the squad he is now a part of - and the player who already has four Champions League winner’s medals believes he can only improve as a player in his new environment.
“I have only been here for two weeks now but you can see straight away that he (Guardiola) has clear ideas of what he is looking for,” said Kovacic. “It is on another level.
“I came here to learn and I think he is the best coach in the world. To learn from him is a good feeling, especially for a midfielder.
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“He can teach me the best times to move. This is also why I came here. To learn to be a better version of myself.
Kovacic has settled in quickly at City (Getty Images)“I knew the team had a lot of quality and playing against them was never easy, it was always tough.
“They keep the ball so well and put pressure on you. Now I am here I can see why.
“The intensity is so high and everyone is so professional and doing their best on the pitch.
“You can see why they have been successful in recent years. The whole club is just amazing and it's a pleasure to be part of it and I'm looking forward to having a good season.”
Kovacic has inherited the No 8 shirt that was vacated by Ilkay Gundogan and was once worn by City legend Colin Bell.
But he insists he has not been brought in as a replacement for the German international who captained City to the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season before leaving for Barcelona when his contract expired.
Kovacic said: “First of all, it is a real pleasure a club like Manchester City wants you and signs you. It's a huge privilege for me.
Ilkay Gundogan has moved on to Barcelona (AP)“Ilkay left, the captain of the club who had huge success at City, but I need to do my own role.
“To be part of the team and do whatever they want of me. I want to be fit, to do my best and be ready as soon as possible to have great games for this club.
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“Winning the treble is obviously an incredible achievement by Manchester City. What they did the previous season was amazing.
“The feeling here is great. I have been very welcomed since the first day, not just by players and staff but everyone around Manchester City.
“I appreciate it. It feels nice to be a Manchester City player. I can see in the training sessions that I am surrounded by great players with great quality - and great human beings.
“It is a pleasure to be here.”
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