Guardiola’s Careful Plan as Man City Face New Challenges
Manchester City continue to navigate a difficult period as Rodri deals with another injury setback. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
The Spanish midfielder, who won the Ballon d’Or for his outstanding 2023-24 campaign, has struggled to stay fit since suffering a devastating ACL tear in September 2024. That injury kept him out for nearly the entire season and disrupted City’s Premier League title defence, which eventually slipped into Liverpool’s hands.
Rodri made his long-awaited return late last season and featured in a handful of matches this year. However, the midfielder picked up fresh knocks during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, forcing City to manage his minutes carefully. Unfortunately, he suffered another setback against Brentford, leaving the pitch after just 20 minutes with recurring knee pain.
His absence has clearly affected City’s rhythm. Last season, the team’s form collapsed after his injury, and while they began this campaign brightly, losing Rodri again has brought fresh concerns for Pep Guardiola as the title race intensifies.
Guardiola Explains City’s Careful Approach
Ahead of the Champions League meeting with Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola shared cautious optimism about Rodri’s progress. He confirmed that the midfielder is still sidelined but hinted that his return is not too far away. Guardiola stressed the importance of patience, explaining that rushing Rodri back could risk another long-term injury. The City boss reassured fans that Rodri is “in the process” of recovery and close to rejoining full training.
However, ensuring his absolute readiness remains the priority. Guardiola’s measured strategy mirrors the club’s long-term view they need Rodri fully fit for the decisive months of the season, not just quick cameos. With key fixtures coming thick and fast, City are relying on their midfield depth to get through this period. Yet, replacing Rodri’s influence remains one of the toughest tasks in Guardiola’s system.
Read Also: Can the Bundesliga Star Truly Shine in the Premier League?
Title Race Slips After Newcastle Defeat
Manchester City seemed to be regaining momentum after four straight wins across all competitions. They had moved within four points of Arsenal and looked ready to challenge again. But a surprising 2-1 defeat to Newcastle halted their rise and pushed them back to third place as Chelsea and Arsenal both won their matches.
Guardiola described the Newcastle match as tight and intense, with both teams creating chances. He highlighted missed opportunities from Erling Haaland and admitted the game changed after Newcastle’s equaliser. With Newcastle defending deeper once Sven Botman entered the pitch, City struggled to break through. The loss served as a reminder of how fragile momentum can be, especially without essential players like Rodri anchoring the midfield.
Guardiola’s Frustrations Show
Emotions ran high after the defeat, and Guardiola’s frustration was evident. Cameras caught him in a heated exchange with Newcastle star Bruno Guimarães, along with a tense moment involving a cameraman. Though he downplayed the incidents afterward, Guardiola acknowledged feeling embarrassed and apologised for losing his temper.
He insisted the conversation with Guimarães was private and clarified that his reactions stemmed from his desire to defend his team. After more than 1,000 matches as a manager, Guardiola admitted he is not perfect, but his passion comes from his commitment to Manchester City. As City wait for Rodri’s return, the pressure on Guardiola and his squad will only grow but so will their determination to stay in the title race. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
