- Josko Gvardiol admits he has been thinking about the mistake made in the FA Cup final all summer
- The Croatian headed over Ortega, allowing Garnacho to score
- He says winning the Community Shield would be a big boost for the new campaign
Josko Gvardiol has been thinking about his FA Cup final mistake all summer and is planning revenge on Manchester United in next month’s Community Shield.
The Croatian, an integral part of Manchester City’s late charge to a fourth successive Premier League title, was caught in a mix-up with goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and gifted United the opening goal during the defeat at Wembley.
Gvardiol ended up heading over the speedy Ortega, allowing Alejandro Garnacho to score in a scene that he admits still haunts him.
“I still feel angry about what I did,” Gvardiol said. “I wanted to pass the ball to Stefan. I didn’t see him, I thought he was on the line and I just wanted to head the ball back. Sometimes we need to talk more, communicate more.
“I just want to win the Community Shield and show that we are ready for next season. If we win that game it will be like a wind at our backs that will push us forward.”
Josko Gvardiol has admitted he has been thinking about his FA Cup final mistake all summer
The Croatian headed over the speedy Stefan Ortega and allowed Alehandro Garnacho to score
City are known for making slow starts and have only a handful of first-team players available for their pre-season tour of the United States.
Gvardiol and international team-mate Mateo Kovacic have added to their numbers by joining Pep Guardiola’s squad in New York ahead of Saturday night’s friendly with AC Milan.
Gvardiol, a £77m signing from RB Leipzig, initially struggled to adapt to his new surroundings last year. Guardiola claimed the 22-year-old was “confused” by being asked to play at left-back before his impressive final months of the campaign allowed him to improve his form.
Acting as a left winger who cut in from the flank, Gvardiol even scored five goals in seven games during the final stretch and finished with the same number of league goals as Gabriel Jesus.
“I woke up and started playing,” Gvardiol added. “I knew I was making silly mistakes. I had to play simpler and that’s what I changed at the end of the season.”
“I was just passing the ball to the first player I saw. I had a period of lack of confidence and that’s normal.”
Gvardiol scored five goals in seven games during the final stretch after a slow start in England.
Guardiola and Gvardiol have talked a lot about his conversion from centre-back to left-back and he comes into this season as a sure starter.
“I think Pep chose me because of the way I am,” Gvardiol said. “The position was something new for me, but I didn’t complain. I took it as a challenge. I definitely feel more comfortable now.”
