Guardiola Acknowledges Rodri’s Absence as a Major Blow for Manchester City
Guardiola made the comments while discussing how injuries and absences have impacted the reigning European and Premier League champions this season.

Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola. Photo/Getty Images.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described midfielder Rodri as the “best player in the world,” highlighting the Spaniard’s immense importance to the team during a press conference ahead of City’s upcoming fixture.
Guardiola made the comments while discussing how injuries and absences have impacted the reigning European and Premier League champions this season.
Speaking candidly, Guardiola compared Rodri’s significance to that of Lionel Messi during Guardiola’s tenure at Barcelona, a period when the Catalan club dominated European football.
“We’re without Rodri; we miss him… the best player in the world,” Guardiola stated. “Imagine our period in Barcelona, Messi was the best player. Playing that season without Messi? Do you think we would win the Treble? I don’t think so.”
Guardiola’s acknowledgment of Rodri’s pivotal role underscores the midfielder’s influence on City’s success in recent years.
Since joining the club from Atlético Madrid in 2019, Rodri has become a cornerstone of Guardiola’s system, excelling in the deep-lying midfield role with his impeccable passing, defensive contributions, and tactical intelligence.
His ability to dictate the tempo of games has been instrumental in City’s domestic and continental triumphs, including their historic Treble-winning campaign last season.
The Spanish international’s absence has left a significant void in City’s midfield, which has been compounded by injuries to other key players.
Guardiola’s remarks reflect not just Rodri’s individual brilliance but also the broader challenges of maintaining consistency in a demanding season when injuries disrupt the squad’s rhythm.
The comparison to Messi during Guardiola’s iconic Barcelona tenure is particularly striking.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, was the linchpin of Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side, which won multiple Champions League titles and redefined modern football.
Drawing a parallel between Messi and Rodri highlights how indispensable the midfielder is to Guardiola’s tactical vision.
City’s recent results have been somewhat inconsistent, prompting speculation about how the team will cope without Rodri’s stabilizing presence.
However, Guardiola remains optimistic, often emphasizing the depth and quality within his squad. With pivotal fixtures on the horizon, fans will be eager to see how City adapts and whether they can sustain their momentum despite the challenges.
Guardiola’s words serve as both a tribute to Rodri’s exceptional contributions and a reminder of the challenges that come with competing at the highest level.
As the season progresses, City’s ability to navigate such hurdles will be critical in their quest for continued success.