Kovacic joined City from Chelsea in June 2023 on a four-year deal and cited Guardiola as a key factor behind his decision to come to Manchester.
The 29-year-old, who has won four Champions Leagues, four UEFA Super Cups and four FIFA Club World Cups during his career to date, says he still has plenty to learn and thinks he’s in the perfect place to develop further.
“Amazing,” when asked what it’s been like so far.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here. The team is amazing, and manager is great.
“I am still learning, improving and adapting.
“It’s really nice to be here. You can learn a lot here – even at my age.
“At 29/30, you can still improve and be a better player and that’s the reason I came here.”
“He prepares so well for the games and looks into the detail. He explains everything so well,” Kovacic continued when discussing Guardiola.
“He’s a great manager and it’s a big pleasure to be learning from him.
“I hope we can have a lot of success together.”
Kovacic, who has already scooped the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup since joining, has played 35 times across all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign to date.
He’s certainly enjoying the competition for places in the central ground and believes it’s paramount as City look to achieve yet more success before the campaign is out as we battle for the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.
“If you want to be in the best team in the world and fight for titles, you will have big players by your side,” he added.
“It’s nice to have competition – to push us every day to work harder and be better.
“It’s good to have this competition – we know the quality and I’m really enjoying it.”
One honour that has eluded him during his trophy-laden career to date is the Premier League.
He spoke of his desire to collect that particular cup when he joined us this past summer.
We’re certainly in the hunt with eight games remaining as we vie with Liverpool and Arsenal for the crown and, ahead of Saturday’s 12:30 (UK) kick-off with Crystal Palace, Kovacic thinks ‘small margins’ will make all the difference in the end.
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“We just need to focus on the next game and be ready – not look too far ahead because there are still a lot of games to play and in the Premier League everything can change in one or two games,” he added.
“We have to focus on ourselves and try to be better in our next game. Each game is a final for us.
“The consistency City have showed during the years – they are always there and fighting for the title.
“All three teams are playing good football and doing great, and, in the end, small margins will decide it.”
