Man City’ll not see ‘best’ Rodri until next season, Opines Guardiola

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has said supporters may have to wait until next season to see midfielder Rodri back to his best form, as the Spaniard continues to work his way back from injury setbacks. Speaking ahead of City’s upcoming fixtures, Guardiola stressed that while Rodri remains one of the most influential players in his squad, the 29-year-old is still in the process of regaining full sharpness after an extended period on the sidelines. “Maybe he struggled to understand it’s not about six months or 12,” Guardiola told reporters. “The World Cup will be the best Rodri and next season will be the best Rodri. This year is about how to handle it.” Rodri has been central to City’s dominance in recent seasons, anchoring the midfield and playing a decisive role in the club’s treble-winning campaign, including scoring the match-winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final. However, a serious knee injury followed by a groin problem during the Club World Cup earlier this year has disrupted his rhythm. Although he has made appearances this season, Guardiola explained that Rodri is not yet capable of playing with the consistency and intensity required to feature in three matches per week. Instead, City’s medical team is managing his workload carefully to avoid further setbacks. “Right now, we cannot push him into playing every three days,” Guardiola added. “The important thing is to make sure he is comfortable, that he recovers properly, and that we don’t risk losing him again.” In Rodri’s absence or limited involvement, City have relied on the depth of their squad, with Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovačić and other midfield options stepping in to share responsibility. Guardiola acknowledged that while the team misses Rodri’s control and defensive presence, the priority remains ensuring his long-term fitness. The City boss also emphasised that Rodri’s peak condition is expected to return in time for major competitions, including next summer’s international tournaments, but that the very best version of the Spaniard will not be seen until the following domestic season. For Manchester City supporters, the message is clear: patience will be required. Rodri continues to be central to Guardiola’s long-term vision, but his full return to top form will be a gradual process rather than an immediate one.