In his first press conference as Manchester City manager, the ‘Rodri theme’ came to Enzo Maresca’s table. And the former Chelsea player, who also had a past at the ‘sky blue’ club as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, did not avoid the question. He faced it head on and made it clear that, For now, the World Champion’s future with Spain lies at the Etihad.
“For now, the surgery is on Monday and he needs a vacation; You need to rest and recover. Then he will return to us,” the Italian anticipated, confirming MARCA’s information that Rodri will undergo surgery to correct a small ailment in his back that is causing him some discomfort. A minor outpatient intervention that will not take away games from the next 2026-27.
For now, the surgery is on Monday and he needs a vacation; need to rest and recover
The plan, comments ‘Sky Sports’, is clear: City wants to retain the player and reach an agreement to renew his contract. His current contract expires in 2027. “There is always speculation about great players. It doesn’t worry me; it’s normal. They won the World Cup and he was the best player,” Maresca added.
There is always speculation about great players. I’m not worried; it’s normal
“Any coach would want Rodri because he is a top-level player,” Pontecagnano Faiano finished off. Rodri, who has just won the Ballon d’Or at the World Cup, once again showed his best version in the demanding World Cup event despite having had to deal with injuries in his last seasons in England.
Replacing Guardiola
Maresca, meanwhile, also spoke about what it means to replace the most successful coach in Manchester City’s history: Pep Guardiola, conqueror of 20 titles in a long period of a decade.
“First of all, I have to say that it is a privilege. I have said many times that I consider Pep probably the best coach in the world in the last 20 or 25 years. But, I repeat, it is a challenge. It’s nice. “It’s a privilege,” he commented.