Mateo Kovacic started in midfield for Manchester City's opening pre-season tour match, yet manager Enzo Maresca gave little away about the midfielder's long-term future. City drew 1-1 with Inter over 90 minutes but a poor penalty display meant they lost the shootout in Hong Kong.
Kovacic linked up with the squad this week after a holiday following Croatia's World Cup campaign. The 32-year-old, who has only a year left on his contract, missed most of last season with injury but has demonstrated his quality during pre-season.
Maresca's Kovacic response
With Kovacic linked to an exit, Maresca was asked whether he counted on the midfielder for the season ahead. His answer hinted that no assurances could be given.
"Mateo is our player, so while he is here I will do my best. If Mateo is here, we will continue to work with him. It is my duty to make players better," Maresca said.
Grealish situation
The same message applied to Jack Grealish. Maresca laughed when asked if he had kept in touch with the winger during the trip. Grealish has already taken to social media to stress that he was not "left out" of the touring squad, saying he remains in recovery from injury.
The expectation, however, is that Grealish will leave City before the summer ends, either on loan or permanently. "I didn't speak with Jack while I am here," Maresca said. "Jack is a City player. When we are back in Manchester, if he is fit he will work with us."
