Pep Guardiola exclusive: Manchester City Treble success 'not possible' without underrated Rodri

Manchester City’s recent success would not have been possible without the “massively influential” Rodri, according to manager Pep Guardiola, who also believes there is a lot still to come from in-form Phil Foden.

Rodri has been a key figure in the centre of City’s all-conquering Treble-winning machine and scored the winner in the final to claim the club’s first UEFA Champions League title last season.

The Spain international has gone 59 games without defeat ahead of the latest step in City’s bid to defend their European crown against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.

Guardiola’s side go into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - with a 3-1 lead from the first, and the City boss picked out his midfielder for praise ahead of the match.

“He has to always be a holding midfielder, so maybe he doesn’t have the highlights like a striker, a No. 10, the players up front, but at the same time he’s a decisive player,” Guardiola told TNT Sports.

“All the success we have had in the last years, especially last season, without Rodri… [shakes head].

“He’s the same level like Erling without scoring the goals Erling scores. Without the pressure from Rodri it would not be possible.

“There are players whose influence in the team is so massive. If you said to me Rodri has to be one of the best players of the season, I would say yes, like Phil [Foden].

“But he’s a holding midfielder, and they have to be another prospect, they have to let the team play, read the problems and solve the problems, and leave the highlights for the other people, and he’s comfortable with that.

“There are players whose influence is so big not because the guys who play in this position cannot do it, but there are players that are overwhelming in the play we played, and Rodri is one of them.”

Foden was the star of the show in City’s first leg win in Denmark, scoring one goal and setting up another to continue his fine run of recent form.

Foden has scored three goals in his last two league games, including a double against rivals Manchester United on Sunday, after which Guardiola labelled him “the best player in the Premier League right now.”

Asked what makes Foden a world class talent, Guardiola said: “We see it every day, every week. It’s competing really well, being decisive in many moments, and we’re delighted.

“We can’t forget he’s so young, 23, and he’s won a lot of titles already, a lot of games have been played. His consistency in terms of no injuries and recovery, he’s an important player for us.

“His behaviour is the same, his love for football, and he’s a better player because he’s played a lot of games. I hope when he’s 26, 27, playing for Man City he will be an even better player. This is what we’re looking for for him.”

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