Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola addressed concerns over Rodri’s fitness as the team prepares for their upcoming Premier League match against Liverpool. Rodri, who has been struggling with fitness issues following an ACL injury, remains a crucial player for City, and Guardiola emphasized the importance of not rushing his return.
Pep Guardiola said: “We’ll see tomorrow but I think we won’t take the risk with the international break. We have to wait for the time when he feels strong and fit and can sustain actions in the game that are so demanding. We have to make that step. We are still in November, the best part of the season is ahead of us and we need him.”
Guardiola added: “I think we pushed Liverpool to be better and they pushed us to be better. If I had to choose one rival for this milestone, that would be the best. Because I’ve been longer in this country than ever, I was at Barcelona as a boy and Bayern were important but Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country. It could not be better, to be honest. The universe has decided this.”
Rodri’s absence has been felt by Manchester City, especially given his pivotal role in the midfield. After a few minutes on the pitch during the recent victory over Bournemouth, Rodri was sidelined again for the midweek match against Dortmund. Guardiola’s cautious approach indicates the club’s commitment to ensuring Rodri’s full recovery before reintegrating him into the squad, particularly with the demanding fixtures ahead.
The rivalry between Manchester City and Liverpool has been a defining feature of the Premier League in recent years, with both clubs pushing each other to new heights. Guardiola acknowledged this dynamic, expressing a sense of destiny in facing Liverpool during such a significant period in his tenure at City. As the season progresses, the return of a fully fit Rodri could be crucial for City’s ambitions, both domestically and in Europe.
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