Pep Guardiola believes that Rodri is still the “best player in the world”, while confirming the midfielder will play against Tottenham on Saturday.
Rodri missed the Premier League opener of Manchester City against Wolves because of an injury he sustained during the Club World Cup.
The Spaniard played only three league games last season after a knee injury against Arsenal and returned for the penultimate game of the campaign.
Prior to their 4-0 win over Wolves, Man City had only won 61.7% of their games without Rodri, compared to 73.2% with him in the side.
They also scored more goals (2.5) per match and admitted less (0.8) with Rodri, compared to 2.2 goals and 1.0 admitted per match when the 29-year-old was absent.
Guardiola insisted that he is not worried about a decrease in Rodri performance levels, but wants to see him play regularly in the future.
'Rodri and Phil [Foden] Were not available for the last game, they were out, but it was only because of a lack of training, they are ready for tomorrow, “said Guardiola.
Pep I just want consistent Rodri. That's all. I have no doubt about his potential and quality. He is still the best player in the world until we choose a new one in a few months. I don't doubt it. Consistency in training, games and after everything will be fine. pic.twitter.com/fmjdyywf3t
– Manchester City (@Mancity) August 22, 2025
“I just want consistency with Rodri. I have no doubt about his potential or his ability. Yet he is the best player in the world.
“The consistency comes with training and games, training and games, week after week and then everything will be fine.”