Man City’s Guardiola says Rodri not ready to play 3 games in a week
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed reservations about midfielder Rodri’s ability to sustain playing three matches per week at the highest level as the player continues his recovery from recent knee surgery.
Rodri, 29, returned to the squad ahead of City’s UEFA Champions League group stage clash against AS Monaco on Wednesday after missing two Premier League games against Huddersfield Town and Burnley due to knee discomfort. Guardiola confirmed that although the Spain international is no longer injured, he is not yet ready to consistently perform in the demanding schedule City faces this season.
“Now he’s not injured,” Guardiola stated in a press conference ahead of the Monaco match at Stade Louis II. “He feels much better than before the Burnley game. He had a long injury. The day before Burnley he did not feel fine. The week before was so demanding with United, Napoli, especially Arsenal. And right now, if you ask me, my feeling is that he’s not able to play three games a week at top, top, top level. Top intensity. My feeling right now is that he’s not ready.”
Rodri played three consecutive matches against Manchester United, Napoli, and Arsenal, which likely contributed to his knee issues. The midfielder, known for his composure and ball distribution in midfield, is a key strategic element in Guardiola’s system, tasked with controlling tempo and protecting the defensive line. His availability is crucial as City aims to improve on last season’s narrow passage through the Champions League group stage.
City, who won their first-ever Champions League title in 2023, return to face Monaco in a group match that echoes their 2017 last-16 encounter, famously decided by away goals after a 6-6 aggregate thriller. Following a strong opening victory against Italian champions Napoli, Guardiola emphasized the importance of the Monaco fixture in reshaping perceptions of City’s chances this season.
“We were favourites for nine years from the moment I arrived one decade ago and people started to think we had to win the Champions League and we didn’t win,” Guardiola reflected. “We will be favourites if we play well. Step by step we are getting better and better. We still have the feeling of a margin to improve. Last season we were on the verge of not being in the competition. Still, I remember that and we could not be here. We could be in the Europa League. We have to do it better than last season and tomorrow is an important step to make a good run.”
The cautious management of Rodri’s fitness highlights the club’s commitment to maintaining squad health amid an intense fixture calendar, recognizing the midfielder’s pivotal role in their ambitions to secure back-to-back Champions League success.