Man City’s Struggles Highlight Rodri’s Crucial Role Amid Injury Absence
Manchester City are feeling the impact of missing Rodri, who has shared insights into how he adapted his game to become a Ballon d’Or winner. The defensive midfielder’s absence due to a cruciate ligament injury has left City vulnerable, with results reflecting his importance to the team.
Rodri’s Tactical Evolution
Rodri emphasized the discipline required in his role to maintain team balance:
“In my first year at City, I used to jump forward a lot, pressing high. Sometimes that’s good, many times not, because if they then play around you, the team is naked,” he explained.
He credited City’s coaching staff for helping him improve his positioning:
“The coaches were really strict with me about it – ‘pow, pow, pow’ with clips. They’d say, ‘Why are you going there? You must protect over here.’ It’s something I’ve had to improve, identifying when to go, when to stay.”
Rodri also underlined the significance of his role:
“The moment you lose that position, you lose the heart of the team, and most goals come from the central area. If you’re there, it’s harder for opponents.”
City’s Defensive Woes Without Rodri
Since Rodri’s injury, City have struggled to maintain their usual dominance. The team has gone winless in November and faces the possibility of falling 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool if they lose at Anfield on Sunday.
Recent results have been alarming:
- A 4-0 thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur in the league.
- A dramatic collapse against Feyenoord in the Champions League, squandering a three-goal lead to draw 3-3.
These performances have exposed City’s defensive frailties, with 13 goals conceded in the last four games. Efforts to replace Rodri in midfield using Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes, and former City captain Ilkay Gundogan have fallen short.
Hope for Rodri’s Return
Rodri remains focused on returning before the season ends, with a mission to elevate his game further. Reflecting on areas for growth, he stated:
“To be colder. Less passionate, and be a better leader every day. The final third is also something I’ve paid attention to – to be involved in goals and assists. Controlling myself when I’m tired, too – don’t move that much, try to stay.”
Defensive Reinforcements on the Horizon
The return of Ruben Dias from a calf injury offers some hope, though he was an unused substitute against Feyenoord. Yet, it’s clear that City’s defensive stability hinges on Rodri’s presence, and his absence continues to pose a significant challenge for Pep Guardiola’s side.
With City’s season teetering on the edge, Rodri’s eventual return may be the lifeline they need to restore their dominance.
