Rodri won’t be back to his best until World Cup says Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has cautioned Manchester City supporters that star midfielder Rodri (29) may not return to his peak levels until next summer’s World Cup.

The Spain international, who was sidelined for the majority of last season with an ACL injury, has made just eight appearances for club and country this term as he continues his gradual return to full fitness. Rodri featured for 61 minutes in City’s Champions League draw with Monaco on Wednesday, but Guardiola insists the 29-year-old must be given time to rediscover his rhythm.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the City boss explained: “Rodri, I said to him, he maybe struggled to understand it, it’s not about six months, seven months, eight months. ‘Oh, I’ll play and be the Rodri I was before.’ No. In the World Cup will be the best Rodri, and the next season will be the best Rodri. This season will be how you handle it, step by step.”

Guardiola added that the physical toll of a year on the treatment table cannot be underestimated, emphasising that rhythm and sharpness only return through consistent match play. For City, the challenge will be balancing patience with their reliance on Rodri’s influence at the heart of midfield.

City next face Brentford away from home on Sunday.

GFN | Finn Entwistle