Kovacic: Our Performance Wasn't as Bad as the Scoreline Suggests; New Signings and Returning Players Need More Game Time

2026-08-17

In the Community Shield final held on Sunday evening, Manchester City suffered a disappointing 0-3 defeat to Arsenal, missing out on the title. Following the match, Kovacic spoke to the club's official media, sharing his insights on the game.

Analysis of the Match Result

Kovacic commented, “This result was not what we expected. Nevertheless, I have been improving my fitness throughout pre-season. This match was not ours; the key attacking and defensive moments favored our opponents. Arsenal were more clinical in taking their chances. Overall, I believe our performance was not as bad as the scoreline suggests. In football, small margins often dictate the final outcome.”

Adjusting to New Signings and Returning Players

When discussing the state of new signings and players returning to the team, Kovacic noted, “These players definitely need to get more game time to find their rhythm. This is a normal process, and the mental fatigue is unavoidable. This year's schedule is packed, along with the World Cup and other tournaments, and it will take time to adjust. We will gradually find our best form; we have a week of preparation time ahead of the Premier League starting, and the season is just beginning. We need to thoroughly analyze this match and make improvements.”

Building Team Cohesion

On the understanding he has developed with Foden and new signing Anderson, Kovacic said, “Since I joined the team, my connection with Foden on the pitch has been strong. He is an exceptional player and has the ability to finish and change the course of a game when he’s at his best. We hope he can maintain this high level and enjoy playing.”

Outlook for the Future

Reflecting on his potential leadership role within the team, Kovacic believes, “My role will be somewhat different; I am now one of the more experienced players in the squad. This is a new experience for me, and being able to step up as a leader is certainly a positive thing. I strive to lead by example and inspire the entire team. At the same time, we have outstanding players like Ruben Dias and Haaland to share this responsibility. We are a united collective and need to showcase a better performance than today.”

Expectations for the New Season

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Kovacic expressed, “I am looking forward to the long season ahead. Being part of a world-class team and once again challenging for the championship is an incredible feeling. Despite the pressure, in a way, it is a good thing—playing for a top club comes with its demands. As I said, today was a disappointing day, and we shouldn't get used to losing; we must feel disappointed and start working on improvements from tomorrow.”

Conclusion

Kovacic concluded by thanking the media and expressing his eagerness for the challenges and opportunities that the season will bring.