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2h ago

Guardiola: Rodri’s Peak Will Return Next Season as City Manage His Minutes

The manager says the Spain international cannot yet handle consecutive full games, defends taking him off in Monaco, and is increasing Nico González’s role.

Rodri suffered a serious knee injury last season
Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - AS Monaco v Manchester City - Stade Louis II, Monaco - October 1, 2025 Manchester City's Erling Haaland scores their second goal REUTERS/Alexandre Dimou
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Overview

  • Guardiola reiterated that Rodri is not ready to play 90 minutes regularly after his ACL layoff and ongoing knee pain, targeting his best form for the World Cup and next season.
  • Rodri missed the 5-1 win over Burnley due to discomfort, started in Monaco, and was substituted on the hour to protect his knee after a taxing run of fixtures.
  • Pep defended the Monaco change, noting González recovered the most balls after coming on even though he conceded the late penalty that sealed a 2-2 draw.
  • City report no new injuries before the trip to Brentford, with Guardiola stressing player protection and continued rotation as Mateo Kovacic builds fitness.
  • Separate media reports suggest Real Madrid are exploring a summer move worth around £130m for Rodri as City prepare contract talks, which has not been confirmed by the clubs.