Manchester City would not have won the Treble without one player, insists Pep Guardiola

Redaction Willow Austin with Freddie Pye
Published on 2024-03-07 13:33:19

The historic Treble achievements of Manchester City last season were attributed to the talents of midfield general Rodrigo, as stated by Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola and his City players had a memorable season, achieving success in the Premier League, the FA Cup, and ultimately winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

Rodri played a crucial role in these victories, with Guardiola highlighting his importance in the team.

Despite not being a player known for scoring goals like the strikers or forwards, Rodri’s impact as a holding midfielder was essential to Manchester City’s success.

Guardiola emphasized that without Rodri’s contributions, the team would not have been able to secure the trophies they did during their remarkable 2022/23 season.

“He has to always be a holding midfielder, so maybe he doesn’t have the highlights like a striker, a No. 10, the players up front, but at the same time he’s a decisive player,” Pep Guardiola told TNT Sports in an exclusive interview.

“All the success we have had in the last years, especially last season, without Rodri… (shakes head). He’s the same level like Erling without scoring the goals Erling scores. Without the pressure from Rodri it would not be possible.

“There are players whose influence in the team is so massive. If you said to me Rodri has to be one of the best players of the season, I would say yes, like Phil (Foden).”

Pep Guardiola continued, “But he’s a holding midfielder, and they have to be another prospect, they have to let the team play, read the problems and solve the problems, and leave the highlights for the other people, and he’s comfortable with that.

As Manchester City look towards the future, there is a recognition within the coaching staff that managing Rodri’s workload will be crucial, especially during critical stages of the season.

With the lack of a natural stand-in for Rodri in the squad, the club may look to the summer transfer market to find a suitable replacement or complement for the Spanish international.

Despite the challenges ahead, Rodri remains a key player for Manchester City, showcasing his skills as a defensive midfielder and his importance to the team’s overall success.