Rodri Praises Pep Guardiola’s Impact After Manchester City Contract Extension
Manchester City recently announced that Pep Guardiola has extended his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2027. This news followed weeks of speculation during the October international break, where Guardiola had admitted uncertainty about his future. However, just a month later, the Catalan coach committed to an additional two years, taking his tenure at the club to an unprecedented 11 years.
The announcement sparked widespread excitement among City fans, with one of the club’s key players, Rodri, sharing his enthusiastic reaction to the news.
Rodri on Guardiola’s New Deal
In an interview shared on the official Manchester City website, Rodri highlighted the immense influence Guardiola has had on his career and the club as a whole. He said:
“We know what he is able to do and the relevance he had in my game and the development since I came here. It’s unbelievable.
“He made me a footballer of another dimension in terms of understanding the game. He has the ability to improve players in this way.
“It’s exciting, it’s unbelievable. It’s great for me, for the club, for the City fans, for the Premier League I would say, and for England in general.
“He’s one of the best, and he’s with us. You always want the best. We’re like a family, we’ve been six years with this one, and with the players even more. We know exactly what we want from each other, and this makes the process to go again.
“To feel stable is the most important thing in football, and with him we feel stable. It’s great for the club. Great news.”
Guardiola’s Impact on Rodri
City signed Rodri in the summer of 2019 from Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of £62 million. Since then, the midfielder has developed into one of the best players in the world under Guardiola’s guidance.
Rodri has made 260 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 26 goals, providing 30 assists, and playing a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and international successes. His standout performances earned him the 2024 Ballon d’Or after helping City secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title and leading Spain to victory at the Euros.
Rodri attributes much of his growth to Guardiola, saying:
“He made me understand football on another level. It’s not just about playing; it’s about reading the game, knowing what’s coming next, and being ready for every situation.”
Guardiola’s Long-Term Commitment
Guardiola himself revealed that it took just two hours to finalize his contract extension, emphasizing his commitment to Manchester City despite the ongoing legal battle with the Premier League. His continued presence provides a sense of stability and motivation for players like Rodri, who view Guardiola as a central figure in the team’s success.
With Guardiola at the helm until 2027, City fans can look forward to more record-breaking moments and trophy triumphs. As Rodri aptly put it:
“To have the best manager in the world guiding us—what more could we ask for?”
