Manchester City bounced back from its setback against Real Madrid with a dominant 4-0 victory over Newcastle United In match day 25 in the Premier League. Among the prominent artists, Pep Guardiola highly praised a signing of 62 million and says: “He is like a mini rodri. “
Rodri’s absence due to an ACL injury has created a significant void on City’s midfieldLeaves Guardiola to find a solution. This, in combination with inconsistent performances and lack of troop depth, caused City to move decisive in the winter transfer window and secure signing of Nico Gonzalez From Porto.
At his press conference after the match, Guardiola Gonzalez praised the impact on the field. “The presence of Nico helped us a lot in the 50-50 balls. I have a feeling that the club bought an incredible player for the future when it comes to mentality. He was in the Barcelona Academy, the best in the world, where they teach you the concepts, the body shapes, the pass ..“Said the coach at the Post Match press conference.
The city manager then made a direct comparison between Gonzalez and Rodri: “He is so young, 23 years old. It’s like a mini rodri. It’s a great compliment, but he has that feeling for presence, how big he is, the duels … He is mile away from Rodri because he is the best, but everyone had a feeling that he will help us. “
Gonzalez has been one of City’s most important winter signatures, after joining her publishing clause of $ 62 million from Porto. With Rodri on the page and other important players like Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan fighting for form, Gonzalez has provided much needed stability to City’s midfield. Guardiola hopes that he will continue to be an important part of the team for many years to come.
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When will Rodri return?
After suffering an ACL injury in September, Guardiola ruled Rodri for the rest of the season. However, the midfielder has shown encouraging signs of recovery and returns to training just four months later to work with specific exercises.
In an interview with Manu Carreño of The cross beamRodri gave an update on its progress and future plans. “There is the information that the surgeon gives you, who wants everything to go well, and it extends up to ten months or so. And then there is the player’s information. I try to set a date, but for mental reasons I don’t want to let this season end. “
Rodri also acknowledged that this season is unusually long: “I don’t know how much I will participate, but I believe in the Nations League and Club World Cup in June-July, I think I will do it. “With Rodri still listed in City’s Champions League squad, there is a chance that we can see him back on the pitch before the season ends.
