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Key Points

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is exercising caution with Rodri's return from a long-term knee injury. The midfielder made a heartwarming comeback in midweek, receiving a standing ovation from fans at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola emphasizes that Rodri won't immediately return to his pre-injury form and will need time to fully recover. The team faces a crucial match against Fulham, where a single point will secure their Champions League qualification for next season.

Key Points: Guardiola Reveals Rodri's Cautious Manchester City Comeback

  • Rodri receives standing ovation on first match back
  • City needs one point for Champions League
  • Guardiola warns against rushing recovery
  • Midfielder's surgery requires careful rehabilitation
2 min read

'There's still a long way to be the Rodri he was': Guardiola calls for patience on midfielder's return from injury

Pep Guardiola highlights Rodri's gradual return after knee injury, with Champions League spot at stake in Fulham clash

"There's still a long way to be the Rodri he was - Pep Guardiola"

Manchester, May 23

Pep Guardiola says it will take time for Rodri to get back to his best after his midweek return to action.

The Spaniard was a second-half substitute during Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, receiving an incredible standing ovation from the Etihad Stadium eight months on from sustaining the knee injury that has kept him sidelined.

Now, City face a crucial final day trip to Fulham knowing that at least a point is required to guarantee Champions League football next season.

Speaking ahead of that one, Guardiola stressed the need for patience with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.

“We’re really pleased he’s back, really pleased for the reaction for our people to him, I’m pretty sure he’s so pleased with that. There’s still a long way to be the Rodri he was.

“Guess will be next season we start to be Rodri not in the way like we have seen before the injury where he played 70 games every three days.

“It will take longer for that because the experience with this surgery is to be careful otherwise have muscular problems and this kind of stuff. But this is the first step for mind and knee still is not to see Rodri the way we know him," said Guardiola in the pre-game conference.

City just need a draw at Craven Cottage to ensure a top-five finish, a placing which would guarantee a spot in the UCL next season.

The boss insists he and his players will be fully focused on the task in hand rather than looking over their shoulders at other results on the day, with Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all in the mix.

“It’s better. Arriving in the last games, it depends on you, it depends on us, yes it’s better.

“We have to look at ourselves. We need one point to be in the Champions League next season and we have to go to win against a top side," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
As an Indian football fan, I completely understand Guardiola's caution. We've seen too many players rush back from injury only to get worse. Rodri is world class - better to wait for full recovery than risk losing him again! 💙
P
Priya M.
The standing ovation gave me goosebumps! Indian fans understand passion like no other. But Pep is right - patience is key. Remember when Bhaichung Bhutia came back too soon from injury? We don't want that happening to Rodri!
A
Arjun S.
City better qualify for UCL! Many of us in India stay up late to watch these matches. Rodri's return is great but I'm more worried about the Fulham game. Hope they don't bottle it like our ISL teams sometimes do in crucial matches 😅
S
Sunita R.
Guardiola's man management is brilliant. In India, we often pressure players to return immediately (look at our cricket team). European clubs show how proper rehab should be done. Hope our football clubs learn from this approach.
V
Vikram J.
Respectfully disagree with Pep here. City needs Rodri at his best NOW for UCL qualification. Sometimes you have to take risks - that's what champions do. Look at Dhoni playing through injuries for CSK! 🏆
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Neha P.
The medical team deserves praise too! In India we don't give enough credit to physios and doctors. Rodri's recovery shows world-class sports science at work. Hope our ISL clubs invest more in this area. #RespectTheProcess

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