Manchester City midfielder Rodri is scheduled for back surgery on Monday, as confirmed by new head coach Enzo Maresca. The Spain captain, who recently led his country to World Cup victory and was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, has faced significant injury disruptions in his previous club seasons.
Rodri’s last two seasons at club level were notably affected by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 campaign. He also experienced several setbacks last season, leading to frequent unavailability. Despite these challenges, the Ballon d’Or winner demonstrated strong form at the recent World Cup.
Speaking at his inaugural press conference as City boss, Maresca addressed Rodri’s situation. “Now, [he has] surgery on Monday. Then he needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us,” the Italian coach stated. Maresca did not specify a return date for Rodri but was quick to dismiss ongoing transfer speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Real Madrid.
Maresca on transfer rumours and club stability
Maresca brushed aside the transfer rumours surrounding Rodri, stating, “Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that.” He added, “I think it is normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup and because he is one of the best players. I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player.”
The new head coach also touched upon the broader transfer window, indicating that there are still “a few things to do.” He refrained from commenting on the futures of specific players like goalkeeper James Trafford, who has been linked with a move away, and midfielder Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton but is now back in training with City. Maresca confirmed that Grealish remains a part of his plans for the time being, stating, “Jack is here, and he is a Manchester City player. My position is always clear: as long as the player belongs to the club, it is my duty to work with him.” He also acknowledged his familiarity with Trafford from their time together in the under-23 team.
Maresca’s appointment marks his third spell at the club, having previously coached the elite development squad and served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola during the 2022-23 Treble-winning season. He expressed his feelings about returning, saying, “I feel as though I have returned home, and my feeling has been wonderful from day one. I am very happy to be here.”
The Italian coach also highlighted the club’s stability as a key factor in his decision to join. “I know the institution well, and I have known the people inside the club for years. The club’s stability, and the fact that only three coaches have succeeded one another over almost twenty years, reflects the strength of the administrative structure and its belief in giving projects time. From the moment Manchester City contacted me, I had no doubt about accepting this challenge.”
Succeeding Guardiola and future plans
Maresca acknowledged the significant challenge of succeeding Guardiola, who secured 20 trophies during his decade at the club. “I want to say it is a privilege because it’s the reason why the club decided to go for me, that is a privilege,” he remarked. He further added, “I have said many times, I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years. It is a challenge [to replace him].”
The coach, who left Chelsea in January after 18 months, noted the unusual stability of Manchester City’s managerial history. “That is not normal and has not happened often,” he said, referring to the club having only three managers in 16 years. He expressed confidence in maintaining the club’s success, stating, “I am confident that we can continue to do a great job and continue to do the job that has been done in the last 14, 15 years since Roberto Mancini was here.”
Regarding his coaching philosophy, Maresca indicated that his approach would align with what he demonstrated at his previous clubs. He stated, “We always try to press hard when we lose the ball, to control the match, and to impose our style, while striving to achieve the most important thing in football, which is winning matches.” He also suggested that long balls could be a tactical option, depending on the opponent, especially with players like Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and Erling Haaland upfront.
Maresca expects the full squad to be available three or four days before City’s Community Shield match against Premier League champions Arsenal on Sunday, 16 August.
Source: bbc.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter