Pep Guardiola was not impressed by suggestions that his Manchester City side were pegged back late on at Monaco in the Champions League due to the replacement of Rodri with Nico Gonzalez in midfield. The City boss defended the contribution Gonzalez made off the bench after coming on in the 61st minute, while he conceded that Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is not yet fit enough to play 90 minutes multiple times a week and "needs protecting" from recurring injury issues.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City star Rodri was left out of the squad for the 5-1 win over Burnley after complaining of knee pain in the same leg where he tore his Anterior Crucial Ligament (ACL) last season. The Spaniard, who only recently returned to full fitness, is now a major doubt for Cityâs upcoming Champions League clash with Monaco.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has picked Alexis Mac Allister as his favourite midfielder over Declan Rice, Enzo Fernandez and even Ryan Gravenberch, but hailed Rodri as the king of the position. Mac Allister, who moved to Anfield from Brighton in 2023, established himself as a starter first under Jurgen Klopp and then retained his place once Arne Slot took charge last season.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed Rodri will be available for Manchester Cityâs vital clash against Tottenham on Saturday, hailing the Ballon d'Or holder as 'still the best player in the world'. The Spaniard missed the Premier League opener at Wolves but is now set for his first minutes of the new campaign after a careful recovery from his ACL tear last season.
New Manchester City signing Tijjani Reijnders is determined to prove his worth and impress Pep Guardiola, as he is willing to play anywhere in the midfield. Guardiola could make use of the Dutch international's versatility in the absence of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who suffered a fresh injury during the Club World Cup after recovering from his ACL setback.
Manchester City are reportedly preparing to table a bumper new contract offer for their midfield linchpin, Rodri, as part of a strategic effort to fend off Real Madridâs sustained interest. City see this new deal as pivotal to retaining one of Pep Guardiolaâs most essential players, who is in line to become the second best paid player at the club after Erling Haaland.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
