Pep Guardiola makes Rodri decision after Man City star admitted he needs a rest

12 April 2024 , 21:30

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Pep Guardiola has responded to Rodri's plea (Image: Manuel Reino/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola has told Rodri he can have his rest - if Manchester City's key midfielder really is tired.

After Tuesday's thrilling 3-3 draw in Madrid, Rodri - who has not been on a losing City team for a staggering 66 games - surprised City fans by saying he needed a break. And as he considered his team selection for the Premier League game against Luton at the Etihad,

Guardiola said: "If a player doesn't want to play then he's not going to play. Simple. Another one will play. If he (Rodri) is exhausted, it can happen and another player is going to play. I didn't speak with him but if he needs a rest, he will have rest."

Guardiola clearly believes Rodri's issue is not just a physical one, adding: "I have the feeling that the games when he was tired - like against Crystal Palace and Madrid - he was better in the second half. He ran more and was more precise in the second half than the first. More than the physicality, it is a case of spending mental energy. Playing every three days, three days."

And although he might rest his Spanish linchpin for the game against Luton, Guardiola reckons Rodri will be raring to go again, despite his plea for a breather. Guardiola said: "I'll speak (with him) and I'm sure Rodri will be ready for tomorrow. He will arrive and say 'I'm fine', I know him."

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And the City boss is certain Rodri's team-mates will also be fine as they prepare for the gruelling run-in. Guardiola declared: "We know what we have to do. We’ve done it. The players will be ready. There is no doubt about that."

Rodri had said after City's epic 3-3 draw away to Real Madrid, setting up a thrilling quarter-final second leg next week: "I do need a rest. Let's see how we speak, how we live the situation.

Your turn! Should Pep Guardiola rest Rodri against Luton? Join the debate in the comments section.

Rodri has played a total of 3,498 minutes for Manchester City this season (Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

"Sometimes it is what it is. I need to adjust. It [rest] is something we are planning, yeah. Every one of us can do better, even myself. But we need to rest, to be honest."

If City are to go all the way in both the Champions League and FA Cup on top of their Premier League campaign, then the Treble winners will have to play another 12 games between now and June 1. Then comes the European Championships for a number of their players, including Rodri.

Andy Dunn