With how many years several of Manchester City’s stalwarts have played under Pep Guardiola, it is no surprise that his players are somewhat a reflection of him on the pitch.
John Stones was asked about how similar his gestures were to Guardiola during a game while discussing tactics with the two-time treble-winner on the sidelines.
Stones told Sky Sports: “Probably rubbed off on us as players about the hand gestures. I suppose it’s how you communicate and we do a lot of things on the board and where people should be so that’s probably me trying to explain something to him.”
The Englishman joked: “Probably got shut down!”
Much like Stones, a number of his teammates at the Etihad Stadium have also closely worked with Pep Guardiola.
Rodri is one of those names, having been a Manchester City player since 2019.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Rio Ferdinand says Rodri is like “Pep on the pitch”
The Ballon d’Or winner also plays the same position as his manager did during his playing days.
Ilkay Gundogan claimed Rodri used to speak to Pep Guardiola after training to learn and discuss different facets of the game.
Rio Ferdinand has claimed that the Spaniard plays in such a manner that it seems like Guardiola himself is on the pitch for Manchester City.
The pundit said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel: “What I would say is Rodri gets me leaving a game going, ‘Bro, did you see he controls that game? Did you see the way he was like a man against boys? It was like Pep [Guardiola] on the pitch. Did you see the tempo of the game went to the way he wanted it?’ He’s the guy that is probably one of the most efficient footballers around and I respect that and I love it.”
Rodri described Pep Guardiola as “special” due to his unique “hunger” to win at all times.
Rodri hailed Guardiola by claiming that he is always a step ahead of the rest in terms of his tactical vision.
The respect between the pair is mutual, with Pep Guardiola likening Rodri to Lionel Messi in terms of the latter being the most important player for Barcelona during his time at the club and the same being the case for the former at City.
Rodri revealed what Sergio Busquets told him about Guardiola before Man City move
Before he joined Manchester City, Rodri revealed Sergio Busquets’ revelations about Guardiola always pushing him to improve and making him a better version of himself.
The Spaniard said: “I had spoken to Sergio Busquets before I agreed to the move, and he told me, ‘Pep? He is going to make you a better player. But he is never, never, never going to stop pushing you. You will never be finished.’
“Sergio had the same role with Pep, and he achieved so many great things, so I put a lot of trust in his words. And he was completely right.”
Pep Guardiola and Rodri have been a match made in heaven at City.
Once the latter returns from injury, Guardiola’s side will command even more fear than they do nowadays due to his importance to the side.
Rodri will appreciate Rio Ferdinand’s comments due to the incredible brain Pep Guardiola has shown he has as both a player and a manager.
