‘Mateo Kovacic to leave Man City’ – Fans explode at ‘disgusting’ footage
Man City fans are furious with Mateo Kovacic after a video emerged of the player following the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday.
The Croatian played only the final 15 minutes of the clash at the Bernabeu on 19 February, replacing Phil Foden as Carlo Ancelotti’s men ran out 6-3 winners on aggregate, and 3-1 on the night.
Madrid’s superstar Kylian Mbappe was too much for Pep Guardiola‘s side to deal with on the night, seeing them crash out of the Champions League at the earliest stage since the 2012/13 season.
Ederson was the Man City player at the centre of abuse in the reverse fixture, having made a costly error to gift Madrid a goal, but it is now Kovacic feeling the heat on social media.
Madrid star Vinicius Junior has already taken a dig at the English club, having conflicted with fans and the media following his reaction to Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or.
| Real Madrid | Man City |
| 48% possession | 52% possession |
| 1.8 xG | 1.32 xG |
| 15 shots | 12 shots |
| 8 shots on target | 4 shots on target |
| 2 big chances created | 1 big chance created |
Mateo Kovacic goes for dinner with Luka Modric following Real Madrid defeat
With the Citizens knocked out of the Champions League and EFL Cup, the main aim for this season is to finish in the top four spots of the Premier League table and likely win the FA Cup.
Supporters have been indulged over the last few seasons, winning six league titles, one Champions League, and numerous domestic competitions under Guardiola’s reign at Man City.
Fans were outraged following the game after leaked footage was posted to social media of the 30-year-old midfielder having dinner with his international, and former club, teammate Luka Modric.
It is worth noting that the Real Madrid legend is also the godfather to Kovacic’s first child, though this has not slowed down any of the comments aimed towards him on social media.
Man City supporters want midfielder gone after leaked footage emerges
Kevin de Bruyne is another player edging towards the end of his career, and while Kovacic still has a few years left, many fans are calling for a passing of the guard to a much younger squad of stars.
Having signed from Chelsea in 2023, the midfielder has made 76 appearances for Guardiola’s side, but it seems that the 2024/25 campaign has caused a lot of frustration amongst the fanbase.
One fan felt angry enough to label Kovacic a “traitor” for having dinner with an opposition player, with another calling for the club to “get him gone”.