Man City news: Mateo Kovacic says 'everybody is exhausted and drained from last season'

BBC Published Aug 17, 2026 Reviewed Aug 18, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

Manchester City lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

3 goals · Manchester City Mateo Kovacic, Manchester City midfielder

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has urged fans to give Enzo Maresca's side time after their 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Kovacic told BBC Radio Manchester: "Yeah very disappointing - we want to win football matches, finals.

"It's tough. Arsenal are a team who when they score they are good and stay in the lead. Then they scored the second, which is sloppy from us - and then, of course, the game is over.

"Everybody is exhausted, drained from last season. Everyone needs to recover and be ready for this season. We have no time and there are no excuses - we have to be ready.

"It will be difficult [to get the title back from Arsenal] - they are a consistent side. They will be a tough opponent but we are there to challenge them.

"It has been different under Maresca and I think it will take time, which is normal for new things, but he has adapted really well and we have a good connection with him."

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