Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has acknowledged Rodri’s request for a respite, affirming that the midfielder will receive rest if he deems it necessary.
Rodri’s admission of needing a break, following a non-defeat streak in 66 games for City, came as a surprise post the team’s recent draw with Real Madrid, citing the toll of his extensive playing time.
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With Manchester City currently in third place in the Premier League, trailing by a single point behind Liverpool and Arsenal and with only seven matches left, Rodri’s role has been pivotal, having participated in 41 games across all competitions.
Guardiola recognizes the squad’s overall struggle with maintaining physical and mental stamina, yet he also notes Rodri’s critical contribution, suggesting that he might need to continue playing despite any weariness.
“I didn’t speak with him but if he needs a rest he will have rest. Or no. I don’t know,” he told reporters, via the Manchester Evening News. “More than the physicality, it is a case of spending mental energy. Playing every three days, three days. Of course he’s tired, playing a lot of minutes.
“Rodri is so important for us and we’ll decide tomorrow what we have to do. If a player doesn’t want to play then he’s not going to play. Simple. Another one will play. If he’s exhausted, it can happen and another player is going to play.
“It’s not just Rodri. I’d love to rest central defenders but we don’t have them. In the [international] friendly games they were injured and we are in big, big trouble. So they cannot rest.”
Guardiola has left the availability of Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne for the upcoming match against Luton Town uncertain.
De Bruyne was sidelined from the recent starting lineup due to illness, and although Foden performed admirably in his stead, he suffered a significant leg injury towards the match’s conclusion.
Guardiola mentioned that post-return from Madrid, he hasn’t consulted with the medical team, but both Foden and De Bruyne participated in a recovery session in Madrid on Wednesday.
Regarding Kyle Walker, who has been absent from play post-international break due to an injury, Guardiola remained non-committal, indicating that it’s uncertain whether the captain will play against Luton Town.
“I don’t know. Honestly. Josko [Gvardiol] was out [vs Madrid] but our physios made an incredible job. If he’s ready I would tell you,” he said.
