Pep Guardiola pleased for ‘important’ Mateo Kovacic after brace against Fulham (original) (raw)

Pep Guardiola was pleased to see Mateo Kovacic take a leaf out of Rodri’s book after his double spearheaded Manchester City’s comeback victory over Fulham. The Croatia international, filling in for the injured Rodri in midfield, struck either side of half-time as the champions came from behind to win Saturday’s Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium 3-2. City will be without the influential Rodri for the rest of the season but, in Kovacic, they would appear to have a ready-made replacement. Manager Guardiola said: “I’m very happy he scored two goals. He’s not a guy who scores goals. “Maybe he saw Rodri, the goals he’s scored in that position. “When they defend with five at the back there is one man free in the 18-yard box and that is Kovacic. “The two goals is because they cannot defend that position. The first goal was brilliant and the second one as well. “Kova was really important but now the opponents know they cannot leave him alone, otherwise he can score a goal.” Kovacic turned a tough game in City’s favour after Andreas Pereira had given Fulham an early lead.