Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted a harsh truth over Rodri’s knee amidst concerns over the Spanish midfielder’s fitness. The arrival of Nico Gonzalez from Porto in January has allowed Guardiola and his coaching staff flexibility in easing Rodri back to action as Manchester City navigate a period of transition on and off the pitch. Speaking in a press conference ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Brentford on Sunday, Guardiola admitted that Rodri’s rush to return to action has come back to haunt the 29-year-old. “I said to Rodri, maybe he’s struggled to understand that this is not about six or seven months,” Guardiola said. “Rodri will be good at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain, next season – he will be the best Rodri.