Pep Guardiola has compared one of his Manchester City players to a “father” who protects his children.
Some would expect the Manchester City boss to be that presence within the dressing room but on the pitch, one of his players has to take such responsibility.
Luckily for the Catalan tactician, he has players at his disposal who are willing to lead from the front.
One of them is Bernardo Silva, who Guardiola picked as his captain this season.
Erling Haaland’s leadership is evident at Manchester City as well, with the star striker doing his talking on the pitch.
Pep Guardiola says Rodri is the ‘father’ of this Man City side
Rodri is another player who has led by example for years.
Ruben Dias could captain Manchester City next and since his arrival in 2020, the Portuguese international has been a leader on and off the pitch.
However, when asked about why Kalvin Phillips’ move to the Etihad Stadium has not been a success, Pep Guardiola claimed it is partly due to Rodri’s brilliance, whom he claimed was the “father” of the side.
Guardiola said via BeanymanSports: “It’s a good question. Maybe because I didn’t give enough minutes. I don’t know, in that moment, Rodri was fit and in that moment, what can I say? You know, Rodri looks like our father in that time, protecting the other 10 sons.”
Declan Rice revealed what Man City’s players tell him about Rodri
Considering Rodri has been a mainstay in one of Manchester City’s best-ever sides, he would be honoured by Pep Guardiola’s high praise.
It is hard to disagree with the two-time treble-winner, with Phil Foden praising Rodri by naming him as City’s most important player.
Declan Rice described Rodri as a “monster” and revealed that on England duty, Manchester City players have told him that when the midfielder does not play, they feel the team declines as a whole.
Rice said in March 2024: “He is a monster. When you speak to the City lads at England, they say when Rodri doesn’t play they feel the difference themselves. Visibly, you can see that, too.”
