Dejan Kulusevski Reveals the Real Reason Behind His Strong Performances Against Guardiola’s City as he shares his Private Chat with Pep.
Dejan Kulusevski, the Swedish winger for Tottenham Hotspur, has long been known for his exceptional performances whenever he faces Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. His dazzling displays have often left fans and pundits alike wondering what fuels his ability to shine against one of the most dominant teams in Europe. Now, in a candid revelation, Kulusevski has opened up about the real reason behind his consistently strong performances against City, following a private conversation with none other than Guardiola himself.
A Special Connection with Guardiola
In a recent interview, Kulusevski shared details of a personal chat he had with Guardiola, which shed light on the motivation and mindset that drives him when facing City. The conversation, according to Kulusevski, was a pivotal moment in understanding his own approach to games against Guardiola’s side.
“I’ve always admired Pep as a coach. His philosophy is something I’ve followed closely, and I respect him a lot,” Kulusevski explained. “But after our private chat, I realised that there’s something more to it. It’s not just about tactics or the opponent; it’s about proving something to myself.”
The private conversation took place after Kulusevski’s standout performance in Tottenham’s 3-2 victory over City on 19th February 2022, where he played a crucial role in the win. Guardiola, known for his detailed and insightful approach to football, took time to speak with Kulusevski after the game, complimenting his performance but also offering a bit of advice.
“He told me, ‘You have something special inside you. When you play against me, you push yourself to another level. That’s what top players do. They play with their heart, not just their head,’” Kulusevski recalled.
This moment of encouragement from Guardiola served as a turning point for Kulusevski. It was in that conversation that he realised the importance of self-belief and inner drive. According to Kulusevski, Guardiola’s words gave him the confidence to embrace the challenge of playing against such a talented team, knowing that he had the potential to shine in those high-pressure moments.
A Mental Edge
Kulusevski admitted that facing Manchester City always brought out something extra in him. He feels a sense of responsibility when playing against the likes of Guardiola’s City, where the stakes are high, and the opposition is often the favourite. In the heat of the moment, he says that his focus sharpens, and he plays with a unique intensity that sometimes surprises even him.
“It’s about the big games. Against City, you know the world is watching, and that brings something out of you,” Kulusevski said. “But after talking to Pep, I understood that it’s not just the adrenaline. It’s the mindset of wanting to be the best, to show that you can compete at the highest level, no matter who you’re up against.”
The Swedish international has been a key player for Spurs since joining, and his performances against City are often among his best. Whether it’s his speed, creativity, or composure in front of goal, Kulusevski has demonstrated a rare ability to take on City’s formidable defence and come out on top. His knack for delivering when it matters most has not gone unnoticed, and his recent admission sheds new light on the mental fortitude that fuels these exceptional displays.
Kulusevski’s Drive to Prove Himself
One of the key takeaways from Kulusevski’s revelation is his drive to prove himself on the pitch, particularly against a team as accomplished as Manchester City. While many players may buckle under the weight of expectation when facing such a dominant side, Kulusevski instead channels that pressure into performance.
“It’s not about trying to prove others wrong. It’s about proving to myself that I can do it, that I’m capable of playing at this level,” Kulusevski said. “Pep’s comments made me realise that the belief I have in myself is the most important thing. When I step onto the pitch against City, I know I have the ability to make a difference.”
This determination has led to some of his most memorable moments in a Spurs shirt. From dazzling runs to decisive assists and goals, Kulusevski has often been the spark for his team in crucial encounters. His growing confidence, bolstered by his conversation with Guardiola, has turned him into one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League.
Looking Ahead
As Kulusevski’s career continues to develop, his mindset and performances against City will no doubt remain a topic of interest. The private conversation with Guardiola has not only given him clarity on his own approach to these matches but has also cemented the fact that Kulusevski has the mental toughness and self-belief needed to perform on the biggest stages.
Tottenham fans will undoubtedly be hoping that this newfound confidence continues to
