Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is ‘angry’ with Rodri after he was sent off against Nottingham Forest.
Speaking to the press (via Manchester City’s official website) after his side’s 2-0 victory against Steve Cooper’s side, the Catalan boss was quizzed about the £63 million (ESPN) man’s red card.
It’s safe to say that Pep Guardiola was disappointed with Rodri after Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest.
Pep Guardiola says he is ‘angry’ with Rodri after Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest
Branded as ‘complete’ by Frank LeBouef, the 27-year-old was in typically sensational touch in the first half, as exemplified by his immaculate raking pass to Kyle Walker, who set up Phil Foden’s opener.
However, the Spaniard got himself sent off in the 46th minute after a tussle with Morgan Gibbs-White as he put his hands on the latter’s neck, which is deemed as violent conduct.
After Manchester City grinded out another win against Nottingham Forest, Pep Guardiola was quizzed about whether he was ‘angry’ with Rodri.
“Yes”, he confirmed.
“I don’t like to play with 10 for our faults. I said at half-time, be careful guys. The game has been in a position where we are comfortable. Relax, control your emotions. Unfortunately, Rodri didn’t do it.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also advised Rodri to learn from his moment of madness against Nottingham Forest.
“Hopefully, Rodri will learn. The game was perfect [for] 35 minutes and after that, it became a little bit chaos. That wasn’t our responsibility, that’s for sure. But Rodri had to control himself and his emotions.” “Because I can get a yellow card but Rodri can’t get a yellow card but I don’t play.”
Rodri has made Arsenal the favorites two weeks from now
While Pep Guardiola and Manchester City could cope against Nottingham Forest without the midfield lynchpin, will the same be the case against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium?
It is certainly not outside the realms of possibility.
However, the Sky Blues lack a top-drawer replacement for Rodri in their ranks, who is arguably their most irreplaceable player.
Against a side of Arsenal’s caliber and that too away from home, the treble-winner’s absence is a huge blow for City and makes the hosts the favorites to get the all-important three points.
Ultimately, Rodri deserved to be sent off after being unexplainably reckless on Saturday.
