Nearly a year ago, Rodri warned Pep Guardiola that playing for Manchester City could seriously damage his health. However, last season, the Spanish midfielder still played 63 matches for club and national team and lost only once.
In Man City's success in recent years, Rodri has played an extremely important role. Therefore, the fact that the Spanish international may be absent from the Premier League opening match against Chelsea will be a warning to Guardiola. There has not been any move to show that The Citizens will recruit a midfielder capable of replacing Rodri.
Kalvin Phillips can leave after nearly 2 forgettable years, while Man City must also find a way to sell Joao Cancelo after loan periods at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
While The Citizens have earned more than £500 million from player sales, their only new signing so far in the summer of 2024 is Savinho.
Guardiola has suggested that Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva will play more in central midfield, but this still seems like a gamble that Man City cannot accept.
"I have to talk to the club and the coach because starting 57-59 games and then playing another 60 is not healthy. You can do it in one season, but 2 or 3 seasons in a row." Next could be worse for the team because their stamina will decrease.
I'm young now, but maybe when I'm 30 or 31, I can't do things like this anymore so I have to pay attention to my body. 60 games is not the best thing for a player," Rodri said last summer.
However, Rodri's last season started with the English Super Cup on August 6 and ended when he appeared for Spain in the EURO 2024 final on July 15.
Rodri's statistics show his importance to Man City. The Citizens' three losses to Arsenal, Wolves and Aston Villa all took place when the former Atletico Madrid midfielder was suspended. The Spanish midfielder was also absent when Man City was eliminated from the Carabao Cup against Newcastle.
Rodri also had a 74-match unbeaten streak at the club until Man City lost to Man United in the FA Cup final last season. The Citizens' schedule next season is even tougher as they will participate in the World Club Open Championship in the US.
Man City's decision to sell Julian Alvarez for £81 million to Atletico Madrid is completely reasonable. The Argentine striker does not feel comfortable being constantly pushed into midfield if Erling Haaland is healthy.
Haaland won his second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot, despite spending a lot of time in the injury room last season.
Man City also have a host of great attacking talent on both flanks following the arrival of Savinho. Jeremy Doku is expected to gradually stabilize, while Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish are also options that cannot be overlooked.
According to expert assessments, Man City has a high possibility of winning its 5th consecutive Premier League championship. However, one thing is certain: Guardiola must carry out a large-scale reform next season.
