Pep Guardiola has warned those doubting Manchester City’s ability to play without Rodri following the 0-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic ensured that the reigning Premier League champions started yet another English top-flight title defence in the best possible fashion, dismissing of Enzo Maresca’s hunt for a similarly perfect start to life in West London.
However, the build-up to the game was marred by some concern amongst Manchester City supporters and the team’s ability to play without their defensive midfield mainstay Rodri; a player that has become central to the club’s success in recent seasons.
In the absence of the Spaniard, who is yet to start on-field training activities with the first-team squad following his return last Wednesday, manager Pep Guardiola used a combination of Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis in defensive midfield.
With the tactical set-up working to great effect for the Champions, Pep Guardiola was bold in his warning to those doubting Manchester City’s ability to play without Rodri this season, speaking to beIN SPORTS after the victory over Chelsea.
“This is my advice; when people doubt about something in the club, we are going to break it,” said the Manchester City manager. “So, be careful… Listen, Rodri is massively important for us, but (Mateo Kovacic) Kova is an experienced player, playing in the biggest stages.”
Continuing in his high praise for the Croatian midfielder, Pep Guardiola said, “He’s a guarantee. He’s an unbelievable human being, I think mum and dad because they have a boy like Kova.”
Mateo Kovacic is going from strength to strength for Manchester City so far this season, showcasing a remarkable ability to transition play from defensive areas into threatening attacking regions of the pitch.
The Croatian’s goal against his former club on Sunday saw him receive possession around the halfway line, before driving forward and beating Chelsea £222 million midfield duo of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, before smashing home an effort from distance.
It remains to be seen whether the 30-year-old will be granted another opportunity to impress in the role this weekend, with Rodri expected to resume training ground duties this week, as Ipswich Town visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.