Pep Guardiola has issued an official update on Rodri’s new injury after been forced out in defeat to Al-Hilal
Pep Guardiola has issued an official update on Rodri’s new injury after been forced out in defeat to Al-Hilal
Pep Guardiola has bemoaned the misfortune of Manchester City’s Rodri, who sustained a new problem in what added insult to injury following his side’s Club World Cup defeat. The midfielder was substituted on at 53 minutes only to be replaced himself during extra time.
Guardiola disclosed that the substitution was necessitated by an injury setback for Rodri, who had previously lost almost an entire season due to a cruciate knee ligament ailment.
While the specifics of the injury remain undisclosed, it marks another significant blow for City who also saw its last hopes for silverware dashed in an extraordinary loss. Al-Hilal triumphed in extra time, notching arguably the most startling victory in both the tournament and their club history.
Guardiola remarked, “We have to see Rodri, he complained about his situation, but we need time to come back.”
He conceded his side were lackadaisical in their response, yet affirmed they squandered sufficient opportunities to clinch the win. He reflected, “It was a difficult game.
We allowed them to make transitions we created a lot. It is a pity, we have been on incredible journey together and so good place.
Guardiola identified their vulnerable defence against counter-attacks highlighting that despite numerous chances against a staunchly defensive team, City’s own lapses in defensive transitions were exploited.
He stated: “The vibe was really good, I cannot thank Manchester City enough and especially the players for training and how they have bene playing. The margins are minimal, they ran into transitions a bit, but we created a lot, Bono made incredible saves.
“We would have loved to have continued, only here once every four year, we had a feeling that the team is doing well but we go home and now it is time to rest and rest our minds for the new season.
“It is too early to say but so many good things I did not seen in the past. The relationship between the players, our captained helped a lot and the standards with staff.
“I felt we were happy here, the training sessions have been really good but the level of this competition is the World Cup and we regret a little bit that we allowed them to run a bit more.”
While Liverpool certainly would not wish any injury on any opposition player, the news that Rodri is not back to full fitness would serve as a major pre-season boost.
The Spaniard’s absence was felt by City last season as Guardiola’s men scraped into the Champions League and it was hoped that his return could lead to another title charge.