- Rodri has played 3,498 minutes for City this season, second only to Phil Foden, indicating his significant contribution to the team’s efforts.
- The midfielder’s admission of needing rest comes after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Real Madrid, where City had to fight back from a 2-1 deficit at halftime to secure a draw. Rodri acknowledged the team’s fatigue, especially in the first half, and the importance of rest in preparing for the next match.
- Rodri’s importance to Manchester City is underscored by his start in 22 of the last 24 games across all competitions. Despite his unbeaten streak of 65 consecutive competitive games, Rodri believes a break is necessary for him to continue performing at his best.
Newsypeople- Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed a need for a rest amidst the club’s intense pursuit of another treble, which includes the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
This statement comes after a grueling schedule that has seen the team play two games a week for the rest of the season, with Rodri’s absence from the field during three of these games coinciding with losses for City. Despite his absence, the team managed to win against Luton in the FA Cup, indicating that Rodri’s rest could be beneficial for the team’s performance.
Rodri’s unbeaten run for Manchester City and Spain, spanning over a year and 66 games, has been impressive. However, after the 3-3 draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals, Rodri admitted to needing a break. He stated, “Every one of us can do better, even myself, but we need to rest to be honest”. This admission highlights the physical and mental toll of the relentless schedule, which has been a concern for players and coaches alike.
The upcoming fixtures for Manchester City, including matches against Luton in the Premier League, the return leg against Real Madrid, and the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, further emphasize the need for Rodri to take a break.
The club’s performance has been inconsistent, with a notable drop in form compared to previous matches. This has led to discussions about the importance of rest and the need to prevent “overloading” players, which has been a concern raised by Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag.
Rodri’s statement about needing a rest is part of a broader conversation within the football community about the need to address fixture congestion and ensure players have adequate recovery time. The global players’ union, FIFA, and UEFA are also exploring measures to protect players from “dangerous levels of fixture congestion”.
In response to Rodri’s request for a rest, Manchester City is planning to adjust its lineup accordingly. This decision reflects the club’s commitment to Rodri’s well-being and the team’s performance, aiming to balance the need for rest with the pursuit of trophies. The upcoming matches provide an opportunity for the club to consider Rodri’s availability, ensuring that the team’s performance is not compromised by fatigue.
Rodri’s need for a rest is a reflection of the intense demands of the football season, particularly for players involved in high-intensity competitions like Manchester City. The club’s response to this request underscores the importance of player welfare and the need for strategic planning to manage the demands of the sport.
