Pep Guardiola admits Man City made a major mistake with Rodri’s recovery – as manager lauds the ‘special player’ key to club’s Premier League title challenge

The night air at the Etihad felt heavy not because of the weather but because of the tension hanging over Manchester City the season had reached that stage where every match felt like a final every mistake felt like a disaster and every injury carried the weight of a thousand worries and at the centre of it all stood one man whose absence had shaken everything Rodri when Pep Guardiola walked into the press room there was a seriousness in his eyes this was not the usual tactical breakdown or praise for his teams pressing structure this was something deeper this was about regret about lessons learned the hard way about a mistake that cost Manchester City time rhythm and perhaps even control of their Premier League destiny Rodris ACL injury last season was one of those moments that made City fans freeze he was not just another midfielder he was the heartbeat the metronome the calm in chaos when he went down you could almost hear the stadium gasp and when the diagnosis came a serious ACL injury the fear was immediate long months out rehabilitation uncertainty but Rodri is not ordinary he is a fighter a competitor a man obsessed with football and with being there for his team while most players would accept the long road back he pushed he worked tirelessly he wanted to return sooner eight months that was the timeline he chased eight months after an ACL injury in modern football that is incredibly fast and that is where the mistake began Pep Guardiola admitted it openly Manchester City came back too early with him the desire was too strong the need was too urgent and maybe the emotion clouded the judgment City were struggling to find balance without him they had quality they always do but Rodris absence was obvious the team felt slightly less secure slightly less composed opponents sensed it matches became more chaotic the control Guardiola loves started slipping away then came the Club World Cup in the United States the surfaces were not perfect the schedule was demanding yet

Rodri was involved sources inside the club later felt it might have been too much too soon his body was still adjusting his knee was still recovering but the desire to have him back especially in such a prestigious competition was strong Rodri himself wanted it he did not want to sit and watch he wanted to lead to help to prove he was ready but the body does not always listen to desire soon after his return problems appeared again muscle injuries discomfort setbacks he missed almost the entire month of October he featured for just one minute in November one painful minute that

symbolised frustration more than progress then he disappeared again until the New Year for City it was a season of waiting waiting for their anchor waiting for stability waiting for the man who makes others feel safe on the pitch Guardiola’s words were honest we came back too early he said not blaming Rodri not blaming the medical staff just admitting the truth the desire was too strong especially from Rodri himself and that is the hardest part when a player wants to play so badly when he trains with intensity when his mood is positive when he tells you he feels ready how do you hold him back how do you tell a warrior to sit down but football is ruthless if you rush it punishes you now 18 months since the original injury Guardiola says Rodri is getting better by far not fully there yet not at his absolute best but improving his mood is good his training levels are high he is playing many many minutes again and when Rodri is on the pitch something changes there are players who are talented there are players who are fast there are players who score goals and then there are players who make everyone else

better Rodri belongs in that last category teammates feel calmer defenders step forward with confidence fullbacks push higher attacking midfielders take risks knowing someone is behind them controlling the space Guardiola described him as a special player wiser now understanding the game more deeply timing his tackles better choosing his passes with intelligence in big matches especially his presence feels different it is not always about spectacular moments sometimes it is about the small things cutting passing lanes slowing the tempo sensing danger before it arrives City’s Premier League title challenge depends heavily on that stability this season has not been simple Arsenal are pushing hard Liverpool are relentless every dropped point feels like a crack in the armour and in tight

races control becomes everything Rodri gives control his contract situation also adds another layer of tension he has 18 months left Guardiola did not hide his desire he would love him to extend desperately because players like Rodri do not grow on trees they are rare midfielders who can defend dictate score important goals and stay mentally calm in chaos think back to the Champions League final winning goal he scored in the past think about the countless big games where he dominated quietly he is not loud he is not flashy but he is decisive Guardiola knows that losing him long term would hurt more than any tactical adjustment could fix now with Rodri available again for crucial matches like the one against Newcastle City fans feel hope returning not just because he is fit bu

because he represents balance the FA misconduct charge hanging over the club adds drama the pressure is real the media noise is loud in such moments leaders become essential Rodri is one of those silent leaders and perhaps this entire injury saga has made him stronger more aware of his body more patient more mature Guardiola admitted it was a lesson a painful one in elite sport margins are tiny rush one recovery and you can lose months protect one player properly and you can gain years the mistake with Rodri will not be forgotten easily inside Manchester City but it may shape their future decisions for now the focus is simple keep him fit build his rhythm let him grow back

into his best form step by step because when Rodri is fully fit Manchester City feel different the passing flows smoother the transitions are sharper the defence breathes easier the attack takes more risks there is a reason Guardiola calls him special there is a reason teammates feel better when he plays football is often about stars headlines dramatic goals but sometimes the most important figure is the one controlling everything quietly in the middle Rodri is that figure and as Manchester City chase another Premier League title they know one thing clearly now patience matters timing matters recovery matters they rushed once they will not rush again the lesson has been learned and if Rodri continues to build back toward his best the mistake of the past could become the foundation of future success because in football even errors can create growth and for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City protecting their metronome may be the key to everything