Having spent most of his career with his feet up during the holiday period whilst the Bundesliga in Germany followed most of Europe and took some time off, Boateng has been enjoying the hurly-burly of an English mid-winter.
City’s garnering of a maximum nine points from the three holiday games might have gone some way to rose tinting his opinion of playing so many games in quick succession but he is adamant that the Yuletide period has helped the Blues in many ways - including league position and team togetherness.
“Not having a break is a tough thing to adjust to but I like it because we are all together as a squad and everyone is getting a game or two,” he declared after the hard fought 1-0 win over Blackpool kept City level on points with neighbours United.
“I am still adjusting to the Premier League. I know I must improve more but I like the quickness of the game in England. It is hard but it is also fun.
“It was a good win over Blackpool in a difficult game. They made it hard for us and we did not play as well as we can do.
“It is a new thing for me to play in the winter. I need more power to play so many matches in close succession.”
Long term Boateng sees his future at the heart of the back four and is anxious to soon challenge the established partnership of Vincent Kompany and Kolo Toure.
“I like most playing in central defence but it has not been so easy for me because I did not make pre-season with the team after I was injured. I am looking forward to playing centre back eventually,” he noted.
“Playing right back is a new thing for me because in Hamburg last season I played only in the middle and in the World Cup only on the left side but I am enjoying it.”
