It’s been a tough week for Manchester City, who had their 13-game unbeaten run crash to a halt with losses to Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt.
City are expected to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title this year but they have lost ground in the race, falling seven points behind the league leaders.
For much of the past year, City have been without midfielder Rodri due to injury. Now, the Spaniard is finally back in the team but he is yet to hit the same heights as his pre-injury performances.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, City boss Pep Guardiola reflected on Rodri’s return and the team’s loss of form.
Guardiola said: “I know the reason why we are struggling now. I know 100%. It’s been 11 months. Give [Rodri] more time. Our standards are so high and I know the reason why we are a little bit inconsistent. I’m pretty sure, yes but that depends on the team as well and not just him.”
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, had been crucial throughout City’s run of four straight titles. He was the metronomic playmaker at the center of Guardiola’s carefully calibrated machine, but he has not yet rediscovered that form since returning from injury.
He received a red card in the midweek loss to Bodø/Glimt, meaning that he will be unavailable in the final game of the league phase of the Champions League next week. That is another blow for a City team stretched by a series of injuries.
Still only 29, Rodri has plenty to offer at the elite level and should be able to play himself back into form over time. Unfortunately for Guardiola, however, time is at a premium as City risk losing ground to Arsenal in the title race.
Guardiola made clear: “We cannot lose games. Man City is so perfect that we cannot lose games. It is what it is. We have to change the dynamic to try to win games tomorrow and Wednesday.”