Stamford Bridge

Next Game

Chelsea v Man City

Friday, 24 May 2013, 01:30

Friendly Match

Etihad Stadium

Last Game

Man City 2 - 3 Norwich

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

Nastasic proud of progress

Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic is proud to have ousted Joleon Lescott from the team's starting line-up in his debut season with the Premier League champions.

Last Updated: 23/01/13 at 09:58 Post Comment

Matija Nastasic: Did not expect success so soon

Matija Nastasic: Did not expect success so soon

Lescott's partnership with Vincent Kompany was a key factor in City's title triumph but Nastasic has enjoyed an impressive first campaign following his arrival from Fiorentina.

And the 19-year-old Serbia international is pleased to have broken into the team and shown his ability to adapt so quickly to life in England.

"I'm very proud of that because Joleon is a great player," said Nastasic.

"But it's not really important who plays as long as the team does well. I'm very happy about the way I have adapted to English football and everything is going well for me at the moment.

"But I didn't expect it to come so soon - certainly not in the first six months. I noticed in the first couple of games that I could settle in and play, and that gave me confidence.

"My first two games gave me confidence to play because I noticed that I could cope with the Premier League.

"It's certainly a different league than Serie A in Italy. It's also very difficult to play there, but I'm happy here in English football.

"The main difference is that in Italy it's a very tactical game. Teams get a lot of players behind the ball. Here the games are more open and the challenges are stronger."

Advice

One man used to strong challenges is fellow Serb Nemanja Vidic and Nastasic revealed that the rivalry with the Manchester United skipper had not prevented his compatriot being a huge help.

"When I arrived, I asked him for advice. I spoke with him then and still speak with him," added the youngster.

"He gave me general advice, not just about football but about lifestyle and young players adapting to English football. For me, he is a great friend and a great person."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

Y

et another example of Cameron's broken Britton.

varicoseregent
Britton prepares for surgery

I

ve heard his older brother might be joining as part of the deal too... Roland.

wezmond
West Ham sign defender Rat

I

think it's time anyway. That hat must smell awful by now. Time for a change and a rinse

levi
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

Footer 365

Ferran Soriano says it's time for new era at Manchester City after Roberto Mancini sacked

Chief executive Ferran Soriano says Manchester City are 'just looking for the next cycle' after sacking Roberto Mancini.

TP disappointed to leave Stoke

Tony Pulis is disappointed to have left Stoke but understands the board's wish to take the club in a different direction.

Former Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov to take up coaching role at the club

Aston Villa have confirmed that Stiliyan Petrov will take up a coaching role with the club.

Mail Box

Mails: Jol Out And Other Demands...

You might notice that we haven't included a single mail about teams in pubs, because most of them were terrible. Instead we have a disgruntled Fulham fan and Scouse maths...

A Night In The Pub With Aston Villa...

Villa are the latest team to get the pub treatment, while the morning mailbox also includes missives on Tony Pulis leaving Stoke and Chelsea's future under Jose Mourinho...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved