Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed the significant impact of Rodri’s absence due to injury, likening it to playing without Lionel Messi during his tenure at Barcelona. Guardiola emphasised Rodri’s importance, describing him as “the best player in the world” and drawing parallels to the challenges faced when Messi was unavailable.
Guardiola’s Remarks on Rodri’s Importance
In a recent statement, Guardiola highlighted the difficulties Manchester City faces without Rodri, a key player in their squad. He questioned the possibility of achieving a Treble without such a pivotal figure, similar to the hypothetical scenario of Barcelona playing a season without Messi.
Context of Guardiola’s Comments
Guardiola’s comments come amidst a series of challenges for Manchester City, including injuries to other key players like Doku, Dias, and Stones. The manager has recently reaffirmed his commitment to the club, as reported on 22 November 2024, despite these setbacks. The club remains confident in his leadership, as indicated in previous reports.
Rodri’s Role and Impact
Rodri, a central midfielder, has been instrumental in Manchester City’s recent successes. His absence is felt deeply within the team, as Guardiola’s comparison to Messi underscores the midfielder’s influence on the pitch. The manager’s remarks reflect the strategic adjustments required in Rodri’s absence, highlighting the challenges of maintaining performance levels without key players.