Pep Guardiola’s Stance on Rodri’s Future and Phil Foden’s Performance
Pep Guardiola has expressed his belief that Rodri will sign a new contract with Manchester City, but he also acknowledges that the player may not be able to resist the allure of a move to Real Madrid if the opportunity arises. The City midfielder, whose current contract is set to expire at the end of next season, recently stated that “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” when asked about the possibility of joining the Spanish giants.
Following this comment, it was reported that Manchester City have offered Rodri a new deal, and Guardiola is hopeful that the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will accept it. However, the manager remains realistic about the situation, admitting that it is not certain.
When asked whether he expects Rodri to stay, Guardiola said: “I think so. Always I had the positive (feeling) with that but I don’t know. I know what the club wants. They informed me what they want from Rodri – it is to stay. Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club. He’s an incredible player.”
He added: “There is no player that will turn down the chance to play for Madrid, I understand completely. He was born in Spain. If one player is not happy they have to leave. I think he is happy but if he is not happy just knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality and after that he belongs only to himself.”
Phil Foden’s Challenge to Perform Better
Guardiola has also addressed the issue of Phil Foden’s recent performances, challenging the midfielder to return to his best form after two underwhelming displays in England’s latest friendlies. This has led national team manager Thomas Tuchel to question whether Foden’s World Cup place is secure.
This comes after a dip in form at the club level, with Guardiola only starting the midfielder in eight of City’s last 20 games. The manager said: “Sometimes you do have to react, you have to be stronger. It is up to him, as quickly as possible he has to realise, ‘I have to do better’. But we come back to the talent and the talent is there. Sometimes you can drop a little bit and he’s aware of that so OK, take it like a challenge. I know Phil perfectly and what he’s capable of.”
Guardiola emphasized the importance of Foden seizing the opportunity to represent England, stating: “I’m pretty sure he would love to go with England. These opportunities cannot be missed. If you have an opportunity, play as good as possible to be selected because it’s only once every four years.”
Guardiola’s Return and FA Cup Ambitions
After returning from the international break, Guardiola appears to be tanned and refreshed. City will face Liverpool in the FA Cup on Saturday, with the goal of reaching the semi-finals for an eighth consecutive season. This would extend their record in the competition, which they have played in the last three finals.
Guardiola is well aware of the impact he has made in the FA Cup, even though he has only won the trophy twice. He said: “It’s unbelievable. I don’t know if one team has been to seven semi-finals in a row in this competition, the FA Cup. I know (I won) four Carabao Cups in a row, four Premier Leagues in a row. I’m sorry, I’m so proud. I don’t need to finish and go to the Maldives, underneath the coconuts, to realise how incredible it is. I’m sorry, it’s incredible.”
