I will play whatever role Pep asks of me, says Reijnders | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders says he’s ready and willing to slot into any midfield role to help the team.

The Dutch international arrived from AC Milan at the start of the summer and gained his first experience of playing for City in the FIFA Club World Cup.

During that tournament he was asked to fulfil both defensive and attacking duties, as he has throughout his career.

With Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic and Rodri amongst those not in Sicily for tonight’s Anglo Palermitan Trophy clash with Palermo, Reijnders’ versatility could be very useful for Pep Guardiola in the 20:00 (UK) kick-off.

The match will be live for CITY+ subscribers on mancity.com and our official app globally (except Italy).

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Ahead of the game, which also acts as our final serious warm up before the Premier League returns next week, Reijnders stated he just wants to do what Guardiola asks of him.

“In the Club World Cup, I played three roles in the midfield and I want to be a midfielder who can play in all of those roles,” he began.

“I want to play where the manager wants to me play, I will play and I will do my best of course.”

Reijnders was amongst the group of players who returned to pre-season training at the end of July, so has had two weeks working with Guardiola in Manchester.

When asked in a pre-match interview in Palermo, Reijnders gave an idea of what has been the boss’ focus during those sessions.

“We’ve worked a lot on ball possession and what we can do against teams who are, for example, in a really low block,” he said.

“Also the reaction of when we lose the ball how quickly can we get it back.”

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While Rodri isn’t available for this weekend, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner remains a key part of our midfield and Reijnders knows just how important that relationship will be.

He said: “In the Club World Cup we played some matches together and now in training we have got to know each other a little better.

“I can see of course that he has a lot of qualities and that makes it easier for the rest of us midfielders to play alongside him.”

Saturday’s clash with our CFG sister club is ultimately about preparing for the season ahead, but it’s also a chance to mark Palermo’s 125th anniversary in style.

Despite the friendly atmosphere expected, Reijnders is keen to win the game first and foremost.

“It’s the most important thing, of course. We want to win this game.

“It’s a friendly but we have to be ready for the Premier League next week against Wolves and this is a game to get fit, to put our training together and be confident for next week.”