Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has openly acknowledged that both the club and Rodri misjudged the midfielder’s return after a serious injury last season. The decision to reintegrate him too quickly has prolonged his recovery, the Spaniard revealed.
Rodri, who suffered an ACL injury, was pushed back into action within the same season. He even played in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but his hamstring injury during the tournament forced him into a setback. Following his return in September, he had to cope with a congested schedule before stepping aside once again to recover properly.
Gradual Reintegration into the First Team
Now, Rodri is slowly regaining his rhythm. He has been included in 11 out of the last 12 Manchester City squads, missing only one match due to a red card against Bodø/Glimt. He started in key games against Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Fulham, contributing to City’s title chase in the Premier League.
Reflecting on the situation, Guardiola admitted the club’s eagerness was a mistake.
“It was too soon,” Guardiola said.
“Our desire to bring him back, especially his own willingness, made us return him too early, and that’s why the process took longer. It’s a valuable lesson—recovery has its own timeline.”
Recovery Cannot Be Forced
Guardiola emphasized that every player’s recovery period is unique. Even if a player is medically cleared, reaching peak performance takes additional time.
“Humans have recovery times. Some can come back faster, like Bernardo or Phil, and others need more time,” he explained.
“When you’re injured, you can do anything you want—swimming, hiking, training—but true recovery requires patience and proper timing.”
The City manager admitted that the club’s desire to see Rodri back on the pitch hastened his return.
“It’s been 18 months, but we brought him back early—at the Club World Cup and other matches. The step back he experienced happened because we wanted him too soon, and he needed more time,” Guardiola said.
“He’s not yet at his best level, but his mood, training, and performance indicate clear progress. He’s a special player.”
Rodri and Bernardo Silva: A Midfield Key
In recent matches, Rodri has partnered with Bernardo Silva in central midfield. Their combination of experience and tactical awareness has been crucial, particularly as City navigated a period affected by injuries.
The return of Ruben Dias to defense has also added stability. Guardiola noted that although City’s squad may not feel like the dominant force of past seasons, the experience of players like Rodri and Bernardo remains invaluable.
“It’s extremely important. These two have been here for nine years and understand everything. Watching a midfielder who knows exactly how to control the tempo and manage details is fantastic,” Guardiola said.
“I don’t need to give them many instructions because we’ve been through countless matches, meetings, and analyses together. Pre-match, post-match, training—they know the routines.”
Emphasis on Tactical Details
Guardiola stressed the importance of tactical awareness, especially with new players in the squad.
“With many new faces, they must know exactly what to do. Rodri and Bernardo understand every detail, including opponents like Newcastle under Eddie Howe. They anticipate how strikers move, and how wide players like Gordon and Woltemade differ from others,” he explained.
This detailed understanding allows City to maintain consistency while integrating fresh talent into the lineup, ensuring tactical cohesion even during high-stakes matches.
Looking Ahead
With Rodri approaching full fitness and the continued presence of Bernardo Silva, Manchester City aims to avoid past mistakes regarding injury management. Guardiola’s transparent approach demonstrates his commitment to careful player development while maintaining the team’s competitive edge in multiple competitions.
As the season progresses toward critical stages, City hopes lessons learned from Rodri’s earlier setbacks will translate into stronger performances, both individually and as a team. Guardiola’s cautious yet confident management ensures the squad remains capable, fit, and tactically sharp for the challenges ahead.
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