Manchester City star reveals hard-hitting task of making three major changes following £77million arrival

Manchester City centre-back Josko Guardiol has reflected on his debut title-winning campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

The 22-year-old, who is currently representing Croatia at the European Championship in Germany alongside Manchester City team-mate Mateo Kovacic, moved to the Etihad Stadium from RB Leipzig last August for £77million.

The defender won the Premier League title, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup during his first campaign in east Manchester, with Guardiol playing predominantly at left-back and making 38 starts and 42 appearances last season.

Guardiol scored brilliantly from long range against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and also scored a crucial brace against Fulham at Craven Cottage last month as Manchester City successfully chased a fourth successive Premier League title League.

The Croatian has made 197 professional appearances despite being just 22 years old, the defender also enjoyed success in the Bundesliga and with Dinamo Zagreb before moving to the Premier League champions.

Gvardiol, who was also on the scoresheet against Luton Town and Nottingham Forest for the Sky Blues, started the win over West Ham on the final day of the campaign as well as the Emirates FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.

The defender started both of Croatia’s games at the European Championship last week, and ahead of the tournament he discussed the difficulty of adapting to life at Manchester City.

Reflecting on his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiol said: “It’s the Premier League, the best league in the world, the pace is tough, the other teams, the opponents are tough as well. Every game is a new final, especially at the end of the season. There is no room for mistakes.

“I knew I would need some time to adapt because I haven’t played in that position for a long time. It’s something I’m aware of, it’s a big challenge for me, new club, new colleagues, new position.

“I have said many times that I will use this first season as best as possible to adapt, to learn the style the manager wants us to play and to understand my teammates.

“I knew from the beginning that it wouldn’t be easy, but it’s something I dreamed of, I’m happy to be here. I think it will get easier from now on.”

Gvardiol and Croatia are still in danger of being eliminated from the Euros after they were held to a draw by Albania and lost 3-0 to Spain in Group B.