Pep Guardiola reveals that Manchester City’s achievement of winning the Treble would not have been possible without the overlooked contributions of Rodri.

Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, the esteemed manager of Manchester City, was seen celebrating with Rodri after their recent Premier League match against Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on August 19, 2023. Guardiola expressed his belief that Manchester City’s recent success would not have been possible without the “massively influential” Rodri. He also highlighted the potential of in-form Phil Foden, stating that there is still a lot to come from the talented player.

Rodri has played a crucial role in the heart of Manchester City’s triumphant team, contributing to their Treble-winning campaign and scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final last season. The Spanish international has now gone an impressive 59 games without defeat, showcasing his immense value to the team. As City prepares to defend their European crown against FC Copenhagen, Guardiola praised Rodri ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola emphasized that Rodri’s contributions may not always be as visible as those of strikers or attacking players, but his influence is undeniable. He compared Rodri’s impact to that of Erling Haaland, stating that without Rodri’s pressure, City’s success would not have been possible. Guardiola acknowledged that Rodri, as a holding midfielder, may not receive the same recognition as other players, but his ability to read and solve problems on the field is invaluable to the team.

Foden, on the other hand, has been in exceptional form recently. He was the standout performer in City’s first leg victory against FC Copenhagen, scoring a goal and providing an assist. Foden has scored three goals in his last two league games, including a brace against Manchester United. Guardiola even went as far as to label him as “the best player in the Premier League right now.” When asked about Foden’s qualities, Guardiola highlighted his competitiveness, decisiveness, and consistency. He also praised Foden’s love for the game and expressed his hopes for the player’s continued growth and improvement in the future.

For fans eager to watch Manchester City’s upcoming match against FC Copenhagen, TNT Sports will be broadcasting the game. TNT Sports offers multiple TV channels and digital platforms for viewers to enjoy the match. The coverage will begin at 19:00 UK time on Wednesday, March 6. Subscriptions to TNT Sports can be obtained through various providers such as discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. To find local establishments showing TNT Sports, fans can utilize the Pub Finder tool.