Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly defended his midfield anchor Rodri, insisting that the Spanish international still needs time to regain his top form after a long injury layoff. The City boss urged patience from fans and media alike, amid scrutiny over Rodri’s recent inconsistent performances.
Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, almost missed the entire previous season due to a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that required surgery. The Spanish midfielder was sidelined for eight months before making his return as a substitute in Manchester City’s victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League on May 20, 2025.
Gradual Reintegration
After that, Guardiola gradually reintegrated Rodri into the first team. The midfielder also featured for City in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup before being trusted to start in three of the first five Premier League games of the current season. In two of those matches, Rodri played the full 90 minutes, showing early signs of regaining match fitness.
However, his comeback process hit a setback in early November 2025 when he suffered a hamstring problem during City’s 1-0 home win over Brentford. The injury forced Rodri to miss 15 games across all competitions, delaying his full return to form. He eventually came back on January 1, 2026, in a 0-0 draw against Sunderland.
Struggling to Find Rhythm
Since returning, Rodri has appeared to struggle to fully regain his sharpness. In Manchester City’s midfield, he has been less decisive in ball distribution and often loses duels, areas that previously defined his strength as a defensive midfielder.
These struggles were most visible during City’s defeats against Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt. Three days after playing a full 90 minutes in a 0-2 loss at Old Trafford, Rodri was again below his usual standards in City’s 1-3 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. He was partly at fault for the third goal and picked up two yellow cards in just 58 seconds, illustrating his ongoing challenges.
Guardiola Confident in Rodri’s Recovery
Despite the recent dip in form, Guardiola remains confident that Rodri will return to his best level. He emphasized that the midfielder is still adapting after nearly a year on the sidelines.
“I know why we are struggling at the moment. I know 100 percent,” Guardiola said at a press conference ahead of City’s Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. “It’s been 11 months. Give him more time. Our standards are very high, and I know why he’s a little inconsistent right now.”
The Spanish manager also stressed that Rodri’s return to peak form is not solely down to him as an individual but also depends on the team’s overall performance. “I am very confident he will return to his best, but it also depends on the team, not just him,” Guardiola added.
Targeting Peak for World Cup 2026
Guardiola had already cautioned that Rodri might not fully regain his top form until the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Since October 2025, the manager has been managing expectations around the midfielder’s recovery.
“I told Rodri, and perhaps it was hard for him to understand, this isn’t about six or seven months after injury. ‘Oh, eight months and I’ll play and be the same Rodri as before.’ No,” Guardiola explained. “He will be at his best at the World Cup with Spain. At the World Cup, he will be the best Rodri, and next season he will also be the best Rodri. This season is about how we handle it, step by step.”
Leadership Role at Manchester City
Rodri himself acknowledged that regaining top form would take time. Back in June 2025, he admitted it could take several months, though he felt physically strong and highly motivated to return to his best.
Currently, Rodri is part of Manchester City’s captaincy group, alongside Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Erling Haaland. This leadership quartet recently raised approximately £10,000 to cover travel costs for away fans who attended City’s loss in Norway during midweek fixtures.
Guardiola praised the leadership qualities of his captains, especially during challenging periods. “This is one of the best captain groups Manchester City has had since I’ve been here,” said Guardiola. “Bernardo, Ruben, Rodri, and Erling are incredible in many ways, in the small details of how close they are to the club, to the team, and in making decisions for the best of everyone.”
Looking Ahead
Rodri is expected to start in Manchester City’s upcoming home clash against Wolverhampton on Saturday night, following the confirmed absence of Nico Gonzalez, who will miss his fourth consecutive match due to an ongoing recovery from injury that the club has not fully detailed.
As Manchester City navigates the demanding Premier League and Champions League schedule, Guardiola’s faith in Rodri highlights the importance of patience, management, and strategic reintegration for elite players recovering from long-term injuries. Rodri’s leadership on and off the pitch, combined with his gradual return to form, remains central to City’s plans for domestic and international success.
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