Pep Guardiola has some thinking to do ahead of this weekend’s game with Newcastle (Image: Beanyman Sports)
Following the confirmation of Rodri’s long-term injury, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has a serious selection dilemma, but he has revealed who might start in the midfielder’s stead against Newcastle.
Pep Guardiola has emphasized that despite Rodri’s shocking injury, he has a wealth of options at his disposal to support him.
The Spanish midfielder suffered a major knee injury against Arsenal, and as a result, he will miss the rest of the season. Given how important Rodri has been to Manchester City since leaving Atletico Madrid, there were first concerns.
However, Guardiola has downplayed these rumors, claiming that he has several players who are capable of replacing the Spaniard. John Stones, a defender, will play a surprising role at the center of City’s midfield.
“Mateo Kovacic and I have a few more,” Guardiola stated during his pre-game news conference prior to the team’s trip to Newcastle this coming weekend. John Stones and Ilkay Gündogan are both capable of playing that position. Alternatives are available to us.”
If Stones were to be used in midfield, the defender would be accustomed to it. Guardiola has previously routinely assigned him to a more advanced duty.
He explained his function by saying, “It all comes down to learning.” While playing there, you learn to respect other people’s roles and gain new insight into their circumstances.
You understand that occasionally I might pass to a midfield player, but when you’re the one receiving it, you know that it was the incorrect pass or the incorrect position. You respect each other’s contributions to the team.
Kalvin Phillips is one individual that City will not have available to them in the upcoming campaign. It was reported that he could be called up from his loan spell at newly promoted Ipswich.
John Stones has regularly played in midfield for Man City ( Image: Getty Images)
However, the Tractor Boys have stated that the agreement does not include a recall option, therefore that will not be feasible. Guardiola has hinted that Rodri might not be at his peak again for a few seasons at least.
“We don’t want it, but in football it happens,” he continued. It’s unfortunate that the ailment takes eight or nine months to heal, but it won’t be ready in a month. Muscular injuries follow, so you need to exercise caution.
“Muscular issues definitely arise the year following a nine-month ACL injury. It’s longer [than nine months] because of this. Not only will Rodri be at his peak after nine months, but that’s the way I see it. We will figure something out and see what transpires; we have outstanding guys.”
