- Guardiola maintains that Rodri’s massive influence in City’s UEFA Champions League matches last season was felt
- Rodri scored the game-winning goal in the final to help City win its first-ever UEFA Champions League
- The Spanish footballer has played 59 games without a loss
Manchester City would not have won the Treble last season without its midfielder Rodri, Etihad’s manager Pep Guardiola admits.
Guardiola maintains that Rodri’s massive influence in City’s UEFA Champions League matches last season was felt and cannot be appreciated enough.
Rodri, who scored the game-winning goal in the final to help City win its first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy last season, has been a crucial component of City’s all-conquering Treble-winning machine.
The Spanish footballer has played 59 games without a loss and his crucial presence is now on the microscope as City plays Copenhagen on Wednesday.
What Does Pep Guardiola Think About Rodri?
With a 3-1 lead from the first leg, Guardiola’s team advances to the second leg at the Etihad Stadium. Prior to the game, the City manager singled out Rodri for his impressive performance.
“He has to always be a holding midfielder, so maybe he doesn’t have the highlights like a striker, a No. 10, the players up front, but at the same time he’s a decisive player,” the City manager told TNT Sports.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Photo/beINSports
“All the success we have had in the last years, especially last season, without Rodri… [shakes head]. He’s the same level like Erling without scoring the goals Erling scores. Without the pressure from Rodri it would not be possible,” he added.
Guardiola expressed that there are footballers who influence a team in a big way and their input is always felt. He doesn’t dismiss that Rodri is one of the best players Etihad has.
But he’s a holding midfielder, and they have to be another prospect, they have to let the team play, read the problems and solve the problems, and leave the highlights for the other people, and he’s comfortable with that.
“There are players whose influence is so big not because the guys who play in this position cannot do it, but there are players that are overwhelming in the play we played, and Rodri is one of them.”
Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola. Photo/beINSport
“There are players whose influence in the team is so massive. If you said to me Rodri has to be one of the best players of the season, I would say yes, like Phil [Foden]. But he’s a holding midfielder, and they have to be another prospect, they have to let the team play, read the problems and solve the problems, and leave the highlights for the other people, and he’s comfortable with that.”
Rodri at Manchester City
Rodri Hernandez, affectionately known as Rodri, has become the silent hero of Manchester City’s recent dominance. While attackers like Kevin De Bruyne and strikers like Erling Haaland grab the headlines, the Spanish midfielder quietly orchestrates the machine that is Pep Guardiola’s City.
Since joining City in 2019, Rodri has seamlessly slotted into Guardiola’s possession-based style of play. He acts as the team’s anchor, dictating the tempo with his precise passing and intelligent positioning.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Photo/Sky Sports
His ability to win tackles, break up play, and recycle possession is unmatched, allowing the creative forces of De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden to flourish.
Rodri’s impact on City goes beyond statistics. Fans have come to appreciate his unwavering work ethic, tactical discipline, and leadership on the pitch. He embodies the “never give up” attitude ingrained in Manchester City’s DNA.
While chants of “De Bruyne Magician” and “Haaland the Monster” echo through the Etihad Stadium, a growing chorus of “Rodri, Rodri, Spanish Andy” (a nod to Manchester United legend Paul Scholes) pays homage to the midfielder’s unsung brilliance.
Rodri’s fingerprints are all over City’s recent success. He played a vital role in their historic 2022/23 treble, scoring the only goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
His absence during City’s recent slump has further highlighted his importance. The team has struggled to control games and maintain possession without his calming presence on the pitch.
While City embarks on chasing domestic and European glory, one thing is certain: Rodri will be the silent engine driving them forward. His dedication and tactical intelligence, make him an invaluable asset which Guardiola is aware of.
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