Pep Guardiola Issues Fierce Warning About Rodri: 'Everybody Knows It'
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's head coach, has cautioned that Rodri won't return to peak form until the upcoming World Cup next summer.
The Spanish midfielder is gradually working his way back into consistent Premier League action after being sidelined for most of the 2024–25 campaign due to an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury.
City felt Rodri's void as they couldn't retain their Premier League title—the eight-time champions actually went without any trophies for the first time since Guardiola's inaugural season (2016–17)—and they've displayed vulnerability in this season's opening matches.
City surrendered points from a leading position against Monaco during the week, and two losses in their first six Premier League fixtures leaves them already trailing early leaders Liverpool by five points.
High hopes surrounded Rodri after his 2024 Ballon d'Or triumph, but Guardiola emphasized in his recent press briefing that expectations for the 29-year-old should be tempered—at least temporarily.
Guardiola: Rodri Requires Time to Reach Peak Form
"Rodri has been and remains an exceptional player," Guardiola stated. "Everyone recognizes this. But I told Rodri, and perhaps he found it difficult to grasp: it's not about six months or seven months (post-injury). 'Oh, (after) eight months I'll return and be the same Rodri as before'. No.
"Rodri will excel at the World Cup representing Spain. During the World Cup he'll be at his finest and the following season will showcase the best Rodri. This campaign will be about managing things gradually.
"It's expected, he spent a year receiving treatment. The physique adapts, the tempo shifts. It's a matter of patience. If he stays fit and follows his rehabilitation program, he'll return."
City responded to Rodri's continued unavailability in January, acquiring former Barcelona youth product Nico González from FC Porto in a transfer reportedly valued at £50 million ($61.9 million), and the Spanish player has been reliable though unremarkable thus far.
Guardiola: Nico González Possesses the Ability to Thrive
Guardiola obviously has strong faith in Nico's capabilities, however, and he referenced Rodri's initial difficulties in England when defending the 23-year-old against any negative feedback.
"He is very young," Guardiola commented. "Rodri has been with us seven seasons. He hasn't even completed one year here and during a challenging period. There are numerous aspects that he will gradually master, because he is receptive and extremely teachable.
"Not every player possesses this quality. He does and he will achieve it...Even Rodri—during his debut season—faced difficulties. It's natural. New surroundings require time to adapt and understand. Nico is Nico. He must utilize his abilities as Nico. He has significant room for growth."