Josko Gvardiol has admitted ‘silly mistakes’ were made during the 2023/24 season as he reflected on his debut campaign at Manchester City.
The 22-year-old became Manchester City’s most expensive investment of the summer transfer window, agreeing a move from German club RB Leipzig as part of his meteoric and ongoing rise within the game’s top echelons.
Etihad Stadium bosses demonstrated their confidence in Gvardiol’s talent and future by sanctioning a transfer fee of around €90m, moving the player into a left-back role within their defensive line and often investing in midfield last season.
Despite a successful end to the 2023/24 season, featuring in many of City’s games and providing crucial moments in the goalscoring department, including a sensational strike against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, Gvardiol has been critical of his debut campaign.
Speaking to reporters upon landing in New York City this week, having been linked with Manchester City for the remainder of the pre-season tour of the United States, Josko Gvardiol reflected on his debut season at the club admitting to “silly mistakes”.
“I woke up and started to perform,” Gvardiol said, looking back on the final months of last season, as reported by MailSport’s Jack Gaughan. “I knew I was making silly mistakes. I had to play simpler and that’s what I changed at the end of the season.”
The Croatian international defender continued: “I was (just) passing the ball to the first player I saw. I had a period without confidence and that’s normal… I think Pep chose me because of the way I am.
“The position was something new for me, but I didn’t complain. I took it as a challenge. I definitely feel more comfortable now.”
The upcoming 2024/25 season is expected to bring more of the same for Josko Gvardiol, with the Croatian international expected to retain his starting left-back spot despite strong competition for Nathan Ake’s position.
The Dutchman is currently seen as the stronger of the two players for the central defensive role, however, Pep Guardiola is not opposed to consistently rotating the two players for the left-back position.
However, Ake is not expected to take part in Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States, which could provide Josko Gvardiol with a perfect opportunity to integrate even deeper into Pep Guardiola’s plans for the new campaign.
