Pep Guardiola acknowledged that Rodri’s return from injury may have been premature but sees the midfielder gradually finding his form. The Spanish player, who suffered a knee ligament injury in September 2024, struggled to reach his previous performance level at Manchester City after returning in May. Furthermore, a hamstring injury this season added to his challenges, affecting his recovery and consistency. Guardiola remains positive, noting Rodri’s progress towards regaining his peak form.
“He came back too early. Our desire to get him back, him especially, he came back early, that’s why it was longer. It’s a good lesson,” Guardiola mentioned, emphasizing the importance of proper recovery time for players. Despite not being at his best yet, Rodri’s attitude, training, and performance are showing improvement, according to Guardiola. The coach praised Rodri’s unique qualities, highlighting his importance on the field.
With Rodri’s contract expiring next summer, Guardiola expressed his desire for the midfielder to stay, praising his maturity and impact on the team. Guardiola emphasized the significance of players like Rodri, who excel in crucial moments and tough situations, in achieving success. Rodri is expected to feature in the upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle, pending a decision from the Football Association regarding his recent comments after the Tottenham game.
Guardiola commended the Premier League for scheduling the Newcastle match at 8 p.m., allowing more recovery time for the players after a demanding fixture. He hopes this decision sets a precedent for better rest opportunities for teams competing in Europe. Despite Newcastle’s challenging history at the Etihad, Guardiola anticipates a tough game, drawing inspiration from their recent strong performance in the Champions League.
