Josko Gvardiol's Croatia display sends clear message to next Man City manager
Josko Gvardiol has highlighted why Manchester City's next manager should look to keep him at the club.
Gvardiol is said to want to leave Man City following Pep Guardiola's departure after a decade at the Etihad.
The 24-year-old states that Guardiola was a key reason behind his decision to join the Premier League club from RB Leipzig in 2023.
Man City are expected to announce former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as Guardiola's successor when the two clubs have agreed on compensation.
Maresca would play a similar style of possession-based football to Guardiola, and Gvardiol, who can play at centre-back or full-back, would fit perfectly into his system.
Josko Gvardiol stars in Croatia win
Whilst considering his future, Gvardiol is set to play a prominent role in Croatia's World Cup exploits this summer.
Before Croatia begin their World Cup campaign against England, Gvardiol starred at left-back in a 2-1 win against Slovenia.
The 24-year-old won all five of his ground duels, made seven recoveries, successfully completed 90% of his passes, and 100% of his dribbles.
Gvardiol played the full 90 minutes, in what will have been positive news for Man City considering his lengthy injury absence during the second half of the season.
A broken tibia against Chelsea in January meant Gvardiol proceeded to miss 27 games, and accelerated Man City's move for Marc Guehi in the winter window.
Enzo Maresca already facing Man City concerns
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Maresca could already face a setback at Man City.
The Italian may need to convince players, like Gvardiol, about his plans for the club, as Guardiola's success will be hard to replicate at the Etihad.
As well as Gvardiol, midfielder Rodri only has a year left on his contract and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Man City have already confirmed the departures of Bernardo Silva and John Stones, and Maresca may need to put his own stamp on the squad in the transfer market.
Maresca could raid his former club Chelsea in order to strengthen Man City's squad, with the Blues needing to sell players this summer to aid their financial position.