Manchester City are ready to kick off their 25/26 Premier League campaign on Saturday as Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Molineux to face Wolves.
The fixture was a highlight of the Manchester club’s season last time around as a late John Stones goal helped City to a 2-1 win.
Pre-season has not been ideal for Guardiola as Man City’s participation at the FIFA Club World Cup has only allowed the Manchester club to play one match against Palermo, while talk of exits for key stars, such as Tottenham’s interest in Savinho, could disrupt preparations for Wolves.
Despite this, Guardiola admitted during his press conference on Friday that he is happy, with one man in particular putting a smile on the Man City coach’s face.
Pep Guardiola during Manchester City training session.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola is so happy to have Rodri back in training
Man City suffered last season in the absence of Rodri after the Spaniard missed the majority of the 24/25 campaign with an ACL injury.
The Spaniard returned to training over the summer, and after a small setback during the FIFA Club World Cup, Guardiola provided an update on the midfielder on Friday, while also admitting that he is so happy to see him back with the rest of the squad.
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“He’s desperate to play; we need his ambition, personality, and quality. He was [named] last season the best player in the world – that’s why it’s really, really important to have him back,” the Man City boss stated.
“For me, seeing him in training and in the locker room makes me smile, makes me so happy – and he’s so close. As much as he’s not [sustaining] step backs, he’s so close to coming back.
“But coming back for a few minutes, and after more minutes, and take one day rest and come back a few minutes and reading that is what is the most difficult thing to know exactly what is the best.”
Guardiola has already admitted that Rodri will not be able to start in any of Man City’s opening three Premier League matches, but could get minutes here and there.
The Man City boss has a plan for Rodri’s return, and the Manchester club will go up another level if the 29-year-old can get back to his best.
Pep Guardiola to leave Man City by Christmas
Ahead of the opening weekend of any Premier League season, everyone is keen to make their predictions so they can prove they were right once a campaign comes to its conclusion.
One question that is often asked is to make a bold statement about something that could happen during the season, and when Leon Osman was asked this by the Premier League, the former Everton man said that Guardiola would walk away from Man City before Christmas.
This is a big claim indeed, but it is very unlikely to happen, as Guardiola already knows his plan for the future.
The legendary coach plans to leave the Etihad Stadium in 2027, and every City fan expects him to see out his current contract.