After Manchester City’s 3-3 draw against Madrid in the Quarter-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, key midfielder Rodri asked Pep Guardiola to let him rest because he felt exhausted.
Therefore, Man City’s coach did not put the Spanish player in the starting lineup in the 5-1 win over Luton Town in the last round 33 of the Premier League.
Dutch defender Nathan Ake and England international Kyle Walker have also not been able to return to The Citizens’ squad, after being removed from the first leg match in the Champions League due to injury. John Stones was also rested for the match against Luton Town, after the coach confirmed that the England midfielder was not feeling 100%.
When asked about the players’ injury status, Pep told reporters: “John has some problems, some problems. He’s fine. He wasn’t injured, but he didn’t feel comfortable so I decided not to risk using him. Nathan and Kyle wanted to sit on the bench so I said, “okay, let’s sit on the bench.”
When asked if Rodri would benefit from being allowed to rest, Pep Guardiola happily said: “Definitely.” He will also rest next Wednesday. Do you believe me?”
It seems that this is just a joke from the Spanish strategist, when everyone understands how important Rodri is in Man City’s squad, especially when they are about to have a great war. decided against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. No one would risk leaving a key player like Rodri on the bench in such a crucial match.
Manchester City will host Los Blancos at Etihad’s home field, in the second leg of the quarterfinals in the Champions League. The match takes place at 2:00 a.m., Thursday, April 18, Vietnam time.
