Pep Guardiola has declared that Manchester City will not stand in the way of any player who is unhappy at the club, as speculation intensifies over the future of midfielder Rodri. The Spanish international's contract is set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, and he has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Rodri's Contract Situation and Real Madrid Interest
Rodri, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, recently stated that "you can't turn down the best clubs in the world" when questioned about the possibility of joining the Spanish giants. This has fueled rumours of a potential transfer, with Manchester City reportedly offering the 29-year-old a new deal to secure his long-term future.
Guardiola expressed optimism that Rodri will sign the contract extension, but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation. "I think so. Always I had the positive feeling with that, but I don't know," the City manager said. "I know what the club wants. They informed me what they want from Rodri – it is to stay. Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club. He's an incredible player."
Guardiola's Philosophy on Player Happiness
However, Guardiola made it clear that he would not force any player to remain at the Etihad Stadium against their will. "There is no player that will turn down the chance to play for Madrid, I understand completely. He was born in Spain," Guardiola explained. "If one player is not happy they have to leave. I think he is happy, but if he is not happy just knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality, and after that he belongs only to himself."
Phil Foden's Form Under Scrutiny
In addition to discussing Rodri's future, Guardiola also addressed the recent struggles of Phil Foden. The midfielder has endured a dip in form for both club and country, with England manager Thomas Tuchel suggesting that his place in the World Cup squad could be at risk after two underwhelming performances in recent friendlies.
At the club level, Foden has started only eight of Manchester City's last twenty games, highlighting his loss of form. Guardiola challenged the young star to rediscover his best. "Sometimes you do have to react, you have to be stronger. It is up to him, as quickly as possible he has to realise, 'I have to do better'," Guardiola stated. "But we come back to the talent and the talent is there. Sometimes you can drop a little bit and he's aware of that so OK, take it like a challenge. I know Phil perfectly and what he's capable of."
Guardiola emphasised the importance of seizing opportunities, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon. "I'm pretty sure he would love to go with England. These opportunities cannot be missed. If you have an opportunity, play as good as possible to be selected because it's only once every four years."
FA Cup Ambitions and Guardiola's Pride
Guardiola, who returned from the international break looking tanned and refreshed, is now focusing on Manchester City's FA Cup campaign. The team is set to host Liverpool in the quarter-finals on Saturday, aiming to reach the semi-finals for a record-extending eighth consecutive season.
City have also appeared in the last three FA Cup finals, and Guardiola reflected on his impressive tenure at the club. "It's unbelievable. I don't know if one team has been to seven semi-finals in a row in this competition, the FA Cup," he said. "I know I won four Carabao Cups in a row, four Premier Leagues in a row. I'm sorry, I'm so proud. I don't need to finish and go to the Maldives, underneath the coconuts, to realise how incredible it is. I'm sorry, it's incredible."
\nAs the season reaches its climax, Guardiola's comments underscore a pragmatic approach to player management, balancing ambition with personal happiness, while maintaining high standards for his squad's performance.
