Rodri comments on Manchester City's crisis

Recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, Rodri has been navigating one of the most challenging periods of his illustrious career.

The injury, sustained at the beginning of the season, sidelined the Manchester City midfielder during a crucial phase for both club and country. However, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has expressed surprising optimism about his recovery, particularly in terms of his mental resilience. Speaking in an interview with AS, Rodri reflected on his progress and the challenges he has faced since the setback, while also outlining his goals for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

"Mentally, it’s much better than I expected," Rodri began, candidly discussing the psychological toll of the injury. "It’s what I anticipated in terms of pain, but mentally, it’s been easier than I thought. The first month is incredibly tough you’re dealing with the frustration of not playing, the physical pain, and the fear of the unknown. But I’ve found myself adapting well. I think stepping away from the game for a while has, in some ways, been good for my body not because of the injury, but because it’s allowed me to reset in other areas. I’ve been trying to enjoy aspects of life that we, as professional athletes, often don’t get to appreciate."

Rodri’s recovery process has not just been about healing physically but also about gaining perspective. The midfielder, who has been a mainstay in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side, is using this time to focus on aspects of life outside football. Whether spending time with family or pursuing hobbies that his demanding schedule rarely permits, the Spaniard has found silver linings in an otherwise challenging situation.

However, his absence on the pitch has been acutely felt by Manchester City. Since his injury, the reigning Premier League champions have struggled to maintain their usual dominance. A dismal run of form saw City conclude 2024 with just two wins in 14 matches, a stark contrast to their typically high standards. Despite the team’s struggles, Rodri was quick to dismiss the notion that his injury is solely to blame for the dip in performance.

“I’ve always said that when there are absences in certain positions, the team feels it,” he explained. “It’s something we’ve experienced in previous seasons as well whether it’s De Bruyne or another key player who’s been sidelined for a long time. These moments are inevitable in football. It’s during times like these that the team needs to stay united and show character. I know we’re in a rough patch right now; it’s a moment that’s hard to process, and we haven’t been performing well. But this is part of sports. You fall, and you have to rise again.”

Rodri also emphasized the importance of perspective, suggesting that the challenges City face now could ultimately strengthen the team in the long run. "Football is full of ups and downs. Seasons are longer now, and what matters is how you handle the tough moments. This isn’t the time to panic or believe that everything will change overnight. Improvement takes time, and we need to focus on gradual progress."

As for his own timeline for recovery, Rodri expressed optimism about returning to the pitch before the end of the season. While he avoided making definitive promises, he hinted at targeting key tournaments later in the year. "The Nations League and Club World Cup? I don’t want to confirm anything yet, but my plan is to try to come back a little earlier than that. Those are two major tournaments that I’m keeping in mind for this year," he revealed.

Rodri’s absence has not only impacted Manchester City’s on-field performance but has also highlighted his influence as a leader within the squad. Known for his ability to control the tempo of games and his tactical intelligence, the midfielder’s return is eagerly awaited by both teammates and fans. His ability to remain calm and focused during adversity has been a source of inspiration, and his optimistic outlook serves as a reminder of the resilience required at the highest levels of football.

For now, Rodri’s recovery journey continues, but his sights remain firmly set on making a triumphant return. Whether he’s back in time for the Nations League, the Club World Cup, or Manchester City’s critical Premier League and Champions League fixtures, one thing is certain: his presence will provide a significant boost to a team eager to reclaim its dominance.