Pep Guardiola has now admitted that he never had any intention of starting Rodri in the Carabao Cup clash between Manchester City and Newcastle United – even before the Spaniard got himself suspended.
The 52-year-old was quoted on his No.16 by Beanyman Sports.
So, what did Pep Guardiola say about Rodri? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the Carabao Cup often sees a lot of squad rotation occur, and the Spaniard was planning to rest the 27-year-old anyway before his red card in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Guardiola said: “Rodri, for example, cannot play (vs Newcastle). But just in case he was not sent off, he would not have played from the beginning.”
The £62.8m man obviously took that decision out of his manager’s hands anyway after throttling Morgan Gibbs-White at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Guardiola confirmed in the open section of his press conference earlier on Tuesday that Kalvin Phillips would definitely start against the Magpies in Rodri’s absence.
It will be the England international’s first start of the season, having only played 52 minutes of action across three substitute appearances so far this term.
Rodri absence may be a blessing in disguise for Manchester City
Given the consistency of his superb performances, Rodri often plays 90 minutes on a weekly basis.
While the Spain international is one of the fittest midfielders around, regular 90 minute games at this level of football is sure to take its toll eventually, so perhaps a rest is a blessing in disguise for the Madrid-born maestro.
Of course, it is a major blow for Manchester City to lose Rodri for the clash against Arsenal on Sunday 8th October.
However, if it means the Manchester City No.16 returns to the starting XI feeling refreshed, and results do not suffer for the Citizens in his absence, then the suspension may prove to be a blessing in disguise.
