Guardiola Expresses Confidence in Rodri’s Future at Manchester City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his belief that midfielder Rodri will sign a new contract with the club. However, he also emphasized that he would not stand in the way of Rodri if Real Madrid were to make a move for him.
Rodri, whose current contract is set to expire at the end of next season, recently stated that “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” when asked about the possibility of joining Real Madrid. This comment has sparked speculation about his future, but Guardiola remains optimistic that Rodri will choose to stay with City.
Guardiola said: “I think so. Always I had the positive (feeling) with that but I don’t know. I know what the club wants. They informed me what they want from Rodri – it is to stay. Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club. He’s an incredible player.”
He added: “There is no player that will turn down the chance to play for Madrid, I understand completely. He was born in Spain. If one player is not happy they have to leave. I think he is happy but if he is not happy just knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality and after that he belongs only to himself.”
Phil Foden Faces Pressure to Perform
Guardiola has also been urging Phil Foden to return to his best form after two underwhelming performances in England’s recent friendlies. National team manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Foden’s World Cup place may be in jeopardy.
This comes after a dip in form at club level, with Guardiola starting Foden in only eight of City’s last 20 games. The manager said: “Sometimes you do have to react, you have to be stronger. It is up to him, as quickly as possible he has to realise, ‘I have to do better’. But we come back to the talent and the talent is there. Sometimes you can drop a little bit and he’s aware of that so OK, take it like a challenge. I know Phil perfectly and what he’s capable of.”
Guardiola added: “I’m pretty sure he would love to go with England. These opportunities cannot be missed. If you have an opportunity, play as good as possible to be selected because it’s only once every four years.”
A Refreshed Guardiola Looks Ahead
After returning from the international break, Guardiola appears tanned and refreshed. City is set to host Liverpool in the FA Cup on Saturday, with the goal of reaching the semi-finals for an eighth consecutive season.
City has reached the last three finals and Guardiola is well aware of the impact he has made in the competition, even though he has only won the trophy twice. He said: “It’s unbelievable. I don’t know if one team has been to seven semi-finals in a row in this competition, the FA Cup. I know (I won) four Carabao Cups in a row, four Premier Leagues in a row. I’m sorry, I’m so proud. I don’t need to finish and go to the Maldives, underneath the coconuts, to realise how incredible it is. I’m sorry, it’s incredible.”
