Pep Guardiola explains why Rodri was out of Burnley clash
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered an important update on the fitness of midfielder Rodri while also addressing the future of young winger Savinho.
The Spaniard spoke to the press following City’s Premier League win over Burnley, a result that continues their impressive run of victories. The triumph at Turf Moor follows on from recent successes against Manchester United in the league, Napoli in the UEFA Champions League, and Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup, underlining City’s strong momentum across all competitions.
However, despite the positive results, Guardiola admitted that Rodri’s ongoing injury issues remain a source of concern.
Guardiola on Rodri’s Knee Problem
Rodri, who has been struggling with knee pain, was unable to feature against Burnley. Guardiola revealed in detail what the midfielder told him during training:
“Rodri, yesterday in training, said, ‘I’m not able to play. I have a lot of pain in my knee, I cannot play, I cannot play.’ And I said, ‘You cannot play? Then you don’t play. Another one is going to play.’ I don’t know yet, I don’t know. (Is it the same knee that he injured?) Yeah.”
Rodri missed almost the entire of last season due to an ACL injury, and while the current issue has not yet been fully diagnosed, Guardiola’s comments suggest that the club will be cautious before rushing him back into action. City fans will be hoping the midfield anchor is not sidelined for long, particularly as the season enters a crucial phase with a busy fixture schedule ahead.
Savinho’s Long-Term Future at City
Guardiola also used the press conference to discuss Savinho’s contract situation, confirming that the Brazilian talent is expected to sign a new long-term deal with the club.
“Yeah, he’s going to sign a new long-term Manchester City contract. We were very clear that we wanted to keep him. It depends on the offer—maybe the offer was not good enough for the club, I don’t know. But of course, at his age, last season he played a lot of minutes, can play on both sides, right and left, and has a pace that is unbelievable. In those terms, he’s really good.”
Savinho’s versatility and raw pace have impressed Guardiola and the coaching staff, making him a valuable asset for the club’s future plans.
Looking Ahead
While City have enjoyed a winning run in recent weeks, Rodri’s absence poses a significant challenge given his influence at the heart of midfield. Guardiola has rotated his squad well to maintain results, but the return of the Spanish international remains a top priority. Meanwhile, the long-term commitment of Savinho is expected to provide an exciting boost for the club’s future as they continue to blend established stars with emerging talent.
For supporters, the hope is simple: Rodri’s injury will not keep him out for too long, and Savinho’s growth under Guardiola will add even more firepower to an already formidable Manchester City squad.
