Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has responded to questions over his decision to substitute Rodri during their recent Champions League fixture against AS Monaco, making it clear that the change was of a tactical rather than medical nature.
According to Guardiola, there was “no concern” over the midfielder’s fitness when he was taken off, underlining the club’s careful approach given Rodri’s extended recovery from injury.
In the post-match press conference following the match in Monaco, Guardiola was pressed on reports suggesting that Rodri’s removal might stem from lingering physical issues. He rejected those suggestions. “Rodri was not substituted vs AS Monaco due to any injury concern,” he said. “It was a tactical move. There is no problem with his fitness.”
Guardiola went on to explain the broader context for his decision. He noted that while Rodri is fully fit, the Spaniard’s minutes must still be carefully managed.
Having endured a serious cruciate ligament injury last season, Rodri is not yet in a position to be unleashed without reservation. “We take care of his schedule,” Guardiola added, referring to how the club monitors his workload to avoid setbacks.
This disclosure comes amid lingering concerns over Rodri’s capacity to sustain a full season of high-intensity performances.
Guardiola has previously expressed doubts about whether Rodri is ready to shoulder the burden of playing three games per week at the very top level. “Right now, if you ask me, my feeling is he is not able to play three games a week at top, top level,” he said in a pre-Monaco press conference. “He’s not injured, but he needs time.”
Rodri’s injury history provides essential context to these comments. In what became a pivotal moment for Manchester City’s season, the Spanish midfielder was sidelined for over eight months after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
That absence underscored just how integral he is to City’s structure, both defensively and in transition play. His comeback has been cautious, with Guardiola and the medical staff opting to ease him back rather than rush him into full-throttle action.
Earlier this season, Rodri was unavailable for the 5–1 Premier League victory over Burnley, with Guardiola revealing that the day before the Burnley match, Rodri “didn’t feel too good.”
However, by the time the Monaco match rolled around, Guardiola confirmed that Rodri felt “much better” and was cleared for action. “He feels much better than the game before against Burnley,” Guardiola said.
Even so, the manager insisted that Rodri will “dictate” his availability over time, implying a collaborative approach between player, coach, and medical staff. “He has been patient, and he will dictate [his availability],” Guardiola said. That sentiment implies that no decision will override the midfielder’s long-term health and career stability.
This is not the first time Manchester City have had to tread carefully with Rodri. Even before the Monaco game, Guardiola was unwavering in his assertion that Rodri is not broken but not yet bulletproof. “He’s not injured, but the week before was so demanding with games against Manchester United, Napoli and especially Arsenal,” Guardiola remarked. “Right now, in my opinion … he is not ready [for three games a week].”