12 April 2024 , 14:52
525
0
Pep Guardiola thinks Manchester City's fixture pile-up is the worst it has ever been, just days after his star midfielder Rodri conceded he needs a rest.
The holders of the Premier League know that if they progress past Real Madrid into the semi-finals of the Champions League next week, City will not have a midweek free until the end of the season. Their next outing comes in the form of a league clash at home against relegation-threatened Luton Town.
Rodri admitted earlier on this week that he could do with sitting a game out, given he is one of the mainstays of this City side. Guardiola revealed he is undecided whether he'll let the Spaniard watch the game on Saturday from the sidelines or not.
Pressed for comment on the fixture list, Guardiola told reporters: "Absolutely (it’s worse). Completely right. It’s getting worse and worse and worse.
"I didn't speak with Rodri but if he needs a rest he will have rest. Or no. I don’t know. I have the feeling that the games when he was tired like against Crystal Palace and Madrid, he was better in the second half.
Premier League odds and betting tips
"He runs more and was more precise in the second half than the first," the City boss added. "More than the physicality, it is a case of expending mental energy. Playing every three days, three days. Of course he's tired, playing a lot of minutes. Rodri is so important for us and we’ll decide tomorrow what we have to do."
Guardiola did go on to stress that if Rodri really feels like his body can't handle another game, he won't hesitate to drop him and opt for an alternative midfielder. The City boss mentioned how he'd like to rest his central defenders as well, but cited injuries sustained during the recent international break as a reason why he can't.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Guardiola rest Rodri on Saturday? Comment below
Rodri has been vital once more for Man City this season but has admitted he needs a rest (Getty Images)Tuesday night's 3-3 draw away at Real Madrid marked Rodri's 41st appearance of the campaign. In the aftermath of the clash, the Spain international shed light on the fatigue he is feeling.
"I do need a rest," the 27-year-old confessed. "Let's see how we speak, how we live the situation. Sometimes it is what it is. I need to adjust. It [rest] is something we are planning, yes."
We are now in mid-April and City are still fighting on all three fronts as they aim to retain all three of their major honours they won last term. Rodri is an integral part of those efforts, but Guardiola can't afford to risk burning out one of his main men.
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our