Inside City’s Dressing Room Drama: Pep Guardiola and Rodri Reflect on Controversial Red Card in New Documentary
Manchester City’s latest documentary, Together: 4-In-A-Row, provides fans with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their 2023/24 season, a campaign that saw the club secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title, alongside victories in the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
Among the standout moments in the documentary is the fallout from Rodri’s shocking red card during the 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium. The incident, where Rodri placed his hands on Morgan Gibbs-White’s neck, resulted in a straight red card and a three-game suspension that cost City dearly.
Guardiola’s Dressing Room Reaction
The documentary captures the tense exchange between Pep Guardiola and Rodri in the dressing room following the Forest match. Guardiola addressed his midfielder directly, stating:
“Learn the lesson, Rodri. You are a captain, and you have your own responsibility. Learn the lesson; you can only drop the team with 10 men. We have lost you for three games for that. Rodri, do you want to say something or not?”
Rodri, visibly remorseful, responded:
“Thank you [guys] for your effort. It wasn’t an aggression; it was a big mistake from me in that moment. After he hit me four times, I reacted in a bad way. I’m sorry for that, guys, but I saw the second half, and we were unbelievable.”
The Impact of Rodri’s Suspension
While City managed to secure the win against Forest with early goals from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, Rodri’s absence in the subsequent three matches proved costly. City were eliminated by Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup and suffered defeats to Wolves and Arsenal in the Premier League.
A Lesson in Leadership
The red card was a rare misstep for Rodri, a player known for his composure and leadership on the pitch. Guardiola’s measured but firm response highlighted the importance of accountability, while Rodri’s ownership of his actions showed maturity and respect for his teammates.
This candid moment in Together: 4-In-A-Row reflects not only the high standards at Manchester City but also the culture of growth and accountability that has fueled their sustained success under Guardiola. Fans can now witness these intense, behind-the-scenes moments that shaped yet another historic season for the club.
