As  Manchester City  gears up to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League, Josko Gvardiol will be the player to watch. Post his $99 million move from RB Leipzig, Gvardiol has showcased his versatility by playing as a left-back for his side. He also expressed his thoughts on the game, and it seems like the Croatian defender is relieved that he won’t be up against Erling Haaland, who was monstrous in the fixture last year.

Gvardiol is still adapting to its new side and was benched in the Liverpool fixture. Thus, the Leipzig match is an excellent opportunity for the versatile defender to show his boss what he is capable of.

Josko Gvardiol recalls his previous duel with Erling Haaland

Manchester City previously thrashed Leipzig 7-0 in their treble-winning season. Recalling the match, Gvardiol said, ”  I’m happy to be your teammate. It wasn’t just because of Haaland, it was the starting team.” Manchester City had lined up with players like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva, and it seems the Croatian felt overwhelmed by the occasion.

Gvardiol also added that he eagerly anticipated his duel with the Norwegian striker, but it proved one-sided. Haaland scored five goals within 60 minutes, and Gvardiol was elated at Haaland’s substitution. He said, ” When I saw him being replaced, I was happy.”

The defender also recognized Haaland’s devastating qualities. He said, ” At the beginning of the game he is nowhere, then he turns up and scores a hat trick.” Judging by Gvardiol’s comments, Haaland seems to be unstoppable for defenders.

The former Leipzig man also reflected on his life at Manchester City. He said, ” I’m happy to be part of this team, and being surrounded by amazing players is something some people can’t imagine. ” While Gvardiol hasn’t enjoyed Haaland’s magnificent start, it seems the defender is just starting to switch up the gears.

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Gvardiol still learning to play the ‘Pep Guardiola’ way

The Croatian does not seem indispensable to Pep Guardiola , and he seems to know why. He revealed the lack of pre-season with the side has affected his rhythm. Hence, Gvardiol believes that by working on his positioning in the coming months, the player can improve his defensive side of the game. 

Also, it seems that Pep Guardiola will be using the Croatian as a center-back in the future. Manchester City has been heavily linked with Boca Juniors left-back  Valentin Barco. Could this be a sign that Gvardiol will be unleashed in his preferred role? Let us know in the comments below.

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