There is no one more important than Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but Tim Howard does not believe that to be the case.
The legendary coach has helped the Manchester club win every trophy on offer throughout the nine years he has been in England, and some of his teams will go down as the greatest in the history of the sport.
Guardiola is expected to call time on his Man City career in 2027 when his current contract expires, which will mark a major change for the Citizens as the Spaniard has been the most important figure at the Premier League giants since 2016.
In that timeframe, Man City could also lose another key figure at the club, who Tim Howard thinks is just as important as Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola with his arms crossed.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Tim Howard thinks Rodri is just as important as Pep Guardiola
The influence of Rodri at Man City was highlighted last season as the Manchester club’s season fell apart following the ACL injury the midfielder suffered at the start of the campaign.
Rodri made his first start in the Premier League against Brighton on Sunday since September 2024, and speaking about City’s defeat to the Seagulls and the return of the 29-year-old, Howard has stated that the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is just as important to the Manchester club as Guardiola.
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“Well, listen, Rodri is back. Rodri, for me, is as important as Pep Guardiola,” Howard said on Unfiltered Soccer.
“I know they lost, but once he gets back in his stride and some of these summer signings kind of settle back in. Ultimately, I think they’ll be okay.”
The midfielder’s influence at Man City should be a little worrying, as it remains to be seen how much longer the Spaniard will remain at the Etihad Stadium.
It was reported this week that Real Madrid remain interested in Rodri and that the 29-year-old may be tempted by the move if there are no signs of improvement at City over the coming months.
The latest on Rodri’s contract situation
With a contract expiring in 2027, a renewal for Rodri is high on Man City’s list, especially with Ruben Dias penning new terms at the Manchester club.
It was reported at the start of August that Man City are working on a new contract for Rodri and plan to offer him a deal valid until 2029.
However, a report out of Spain stated that Rodri is in no rush to sign a new deal in Manchester, as the 29-year-old wants more time to evaluate his situation.
That was the latest update on the future of the midfielder, and if results continue in the way they have been, then Man City fans will start to get worried about where the Ballon d’Or winner will end up after next summer’s transfer window.