Pep Guardiola has openly admitted that Manchester City made a critical error in rushing Rodri back into action too soon following his serious ACL injury. The manager believes, however, that the Spanish midfielder is now steadily approaching his peak performance levels once again.
Premature Return Led to Extended Absence
The Spain international, often described as City's metronome in midfield, pushed himself to return from last season's anterior cruciate ligament injury within just eight months. This aggressive timeline ultimately backfired, leading to further physical problems and complications.
Sources had previously indicated to Daily Mail Sport that Rodri's extensive participation in last summer's Club World Cup was excessive, particularly given the questionable state of some playing surfaces in America. Guardiola has now confirmed these concerns, stating that both the player and the club have learned valuable lessons from the experience.
Subsequent Injuries Disrupted Season
Following his premature comeback, Rodri continued to pick up subsequent muscle injuries that have heavily impacted Manchester City's current campaign. The midfielder missed almost the entirety of October, featured for just one minute in November, and then did not reappear until the New Year.
'We came back too early,' Guardiola stated candidly. 'Our desire to get him back, him especially... we came back too early and that's why it was longer out. It's a good lesson.'
The manager elaborated further on the timeline, noting: 'It's 18 months now since the original injury, but he came back earlier, in the World Cup, and the other games.'
Gradual Improvement and Contract Situation
Despite the setbacks, Guardiola remains optimistic about Rodri's recovery trajectory. 'He's getting better by far,' the City boss affirmed. 'The step back to his best, we wanted this earlier and he needed a little more time. He's still not at his best but every time, his mood and his training, for example, and he's playing many, many things. He's a special player.'
Rodri is now available for selection for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Newcastle United, as Manchester City simultaneously await the outcome of an FA charge for misconduct.
Guardiola's Desperate Plea for Extension
With the central midfielder having just 18 months remaining on his current contract, Guardiola has issued a passionate plea for Rodri to sign an extension with the club.
'I would love it desperately,' Guardiola emphasized. 'Rodri is Rodri. A player like he is, he's wiser, understands the game more. And there are players, it feels like when they are on the pitch, his teammates feel better.'
The manager concluded with high praise for his midfielder's big-game mentality: 'And that is experience, timing. There are players that are defined on the bigger stages.'
