Man City boss Pep Guardiola makes Rodri claim after shock loss to Wolves

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists his side cannot be overly-reliant on Rodri after they slumped to a 2-1 loss at Wolves on Saturday.

After six wins from six to start the defence of their Premier League title, a Ruben Dias own goal and Hwang Hee-chan strike earned Wolves a first home win of the league campaign and handed City a first loss.

Rodri was absent for the fixture due to suspension following his red card against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Guardiola was asked about the midfielder’s absence after the loss and responded: “Rodri is an important player. We cannot count on him and you have to supply for another [player playing there].”

He added: “Congratulations Wolves, they deserved it. We had chances and struggled to deal with transitions and they played very well. We were there and settled well and the question is when the opponent is faster and quicker, we have to accept it.”

Up next for City is a trip to RB Leipzig in the Champions League with their next Premier League fixture away at Arsenal on Sunday, October 8.

The Gunners closed the gap on City to one point after they picked up a comfortable 4-0 win at Bournemouth.