“Change the subject” – Pep Guardiola issues snappy response to question marks over Manchester City substitutions | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola was has hit back with a snappy response for one journalist questioning him over Manchester City conceding after withdrawing Rodri against AS Monaco.

The Catalan coach has found himself somewhat in the spotlight following his side’s frustrating 2-2 draw in France this week after City looked on course for victory courtesy of Erling Haaland’s first-half brace, only to be pegged back in stoppage time when Eric Dier converted from the penalty spot.

The timing of Rodri’s substitution raised eyebrows in some quarters, with a section of supporters suggesting that Manchester City’s midfield control weakened to some extent after the Spaniard left the field, while others praised Nico’s contribution prior to his penalty mishap.

Guardiola has already been managing Rodri’s minutes carefully this season, mindful of the midfielder’s recurring knee problems. The Spaniard remains central to City’s style of play, but as Guardiola has stressed in recent weeks, the demand of competing every three days across competitions means no player is completely exempt from rotation.

The situation is also complicated by the ongoing integration of new midfield options, with Nico trusted with minutes in recent weeks, particularly against Burnley where Pep Guardiola praised his performance.

With Mateo Kovacic aiming to build fitness upon his return from injury and İlkay Gündoğan having departed in the summer for Galatasaray, Manchester City’s balance in the middle of the park continues to evolve as Guardiola adapts to changing personnel.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the club’s visit to Brentford on Sunday afternoon, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on his thoughts around Manchester City conceding after withdrawing Rodri from action in the south of France on Wednesday night.

“Are you suggesting they scored because Nico Gonzalez was on the pitch and not Rodri? How do you prove that? Me neither, so change the subject,” Guardiola snapped back.

Discussing whether it would be possible to replace Rodri with just one man at Manchester City, Guardiola explained, “We cannot play with 12. I know Rodri is irreplaceable in many things. He couldn’t play three days before because his knee was in a bad, bad condition.

“And I would love to tell you that because Rodri is not on the pitch, we conceded the goal [vs AS Monaco], but I cannot prove that. Because if I felt it, Rodri would have been on the pitch. But Rodri cannot play in certain games, maybe 90 minutes, for many, many games.

“And Nico [Gonzalez] played really good vs Burnley. And he’s learning and he’s improving and we need him. Rodri cannot sustain still the rhythm for 90 minutes in games. Sometimes, I want the best players there to be fit but he’s still not, so I have to protect my players.”

Looking forward, Pep Guardiola’s handling of Rodri will be a key storyline for the remainder of the campaign. With the Champions League league phase delicately poised after the Monaco draw, albeit with six matches to go, the manager will be under pressure to strike the right balance between keeping Rodri fit and maintaining midfield control in crucial matches.

There may also be opportunities for others to step in as Rico Lewis – often deployed in hybrid roles – could be called upon more frequently, while Guardiola continues to encourage González to adapt to the tactical and physical demands of English football.

The manager has made clear that Rodri remains “irreplaceable” in many respects, but if Manchester City are to compete deep into every competition, finding reliable alternatives will be vital.

With Brentford up next in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola faces yet another test of rotation and resilience. Supporters will be watching closely to see whether Rodri starts, or whether Manchester City’s boss keeps faith with the developing options in his squad to allow for rest.