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13th April 2024
01:04pm BST
Starman, Rodri, is a vital cog in the City machine, but told reporters: “I do need a rest, let's see how we deal with the situation, sometimes I need to adjust but it is what is,” after City’s 3-3 draw against Real Madrid last week.
Despite the midfielders request, Guardiola will, no doubt, be reluctant to grant the player’s wishes. Rodri has missed just four games this term, the Sky Blues have lost all four games. The Spanish international scored the winning goal to secure ‘the treble’ in last season’s UEFA Champions League final against Internazionale in Istanbul.
Rodri’s incredible unbeaten record goes further than the 2023/24 campaign, he has not tasted defeat since February 5th 2023 against Spurs.
Guardiola praised the midfield dynamo after the fixture at Santiago Bernabeu: “Take a look at our games and you realise. It is simple. He is so important for the quality he gives us. But if you have a player that doesn't want to play, he won't play. I need to rest the centre halves also but in [England's] friendly games, [John Stones and Kyle Walker] got injured so they get cannot rest. We are in big, big trouble. I had the feeling we were tired in the last games. We will decide [on Saturday] what we have to do."
The Champions are currently fighting on three fronts. They sit third, in an exciting Premier League title race, trailing Liverpool and Arsenal by a solitary point with seven games remaining. They are favourites to advance in the Champions League; they host Real Madrid at the Etihad on Wednesday evening, before travelling to Wembley, where they will face Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final, later that week.
Before all this, City face Luton Town on Saturday afternoon as they continue their pursuit of a fourth Premier League title in as many years. However, Guardiola’s side will not include Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake. Phil Foden is expected to undergo a late fitness test after sustaining a knock against Real Madrid.
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