Pep Guardiola has openly addressed the struggles faced by Manchester City this season, emphasizing that the team’s difficulties cannot be solely attributed to the absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. He believes that a combination of factors, including a general decline in player performance and fatigue, contributed to their departure from the Premier League title race.
Rodri suffered a significant injury to his anterior cruciate ligaments during a heated match against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in September, which has sidelined him for the remainder of the season. While Guardiola acknowledges that losing such a pivotal player is a major setback, he insists that it is not the only reason for the team’s downturn.“The absence of Rodri is massive, but I repeat, it’s not just been Rodri,” Guardiola stated. “Of course, losing the best player in the world is felt by any team. I would have preferred to lose that [2-2 draw against Arsenal] and have Rodri available for the entire season.”
Guardiola pointed out that multiple players have struggled with form as fatigue set in throughout the season. He expressed concern over how these factors have collectively impacted the squad’s performance.“Maybe I’m wrong and cannot prove it, but this season’s situation involved many elements beyond just Rodri,” he added.
Despite the challenges, there is optimism regarding Rodri’s recovery. Guardiola mentioned that while it is possible for Rodri to return before the end of the season, there will be no rush to bring him back prematurely.“The ACL is serious,” he explained. “There’s a necessary recovery period that must be respected. It’s wonderful to have him in the locker room; his presence is important. The priority is for him to recover fully.”Guardiola emphasized that rushing back could risk further injury and advised that proper healing is essential for Rodri’s long-term career.
As Manchester City prepares for their upcoming match against Arsenal, Guardiola downplayed any notions of a grudge match or tensions with former assistant Mikel Arteta. He reassured fans that his relationship with Arteta remains strong despite any past disagreements.“It’s exceptional,” Guardiola remarked about his relationship with Arteta and his family. “We may not be in constant contact due to our professional commitments, but mutual respect always prevails.”In conclusion, while Manchester City faces significant challenges this season, Guardiola remains focused on recovery and maintaining strong relationships within the football community as they look ahead to future matches.