Guardiola “is not optimistic” that Rodri’s return to his usual level this season

Manchester City coach, Josep Guardiola, confirmed that Rodri may need most of the season to return to his best level, pointing at the same time his confidence in the ability of alternative Niko Gonzalez to continue to develop.

Rodri played for an hour in the match in which Manchester City tied with Monaco 2 in the Champions League last Wednesday, after he was absent from participating in the two previous matches of the team.

Guardiola suggested that Rodri (29 years old) will be ready to participate in the Princeford match today (Sunday), but his return to the level that won the Golden Ball award will need longer.

Guardiola said: “Rodri was still a great player, and everyone knows that. But I said to him, and it may have been difficult for him to accept it. The issue is not related to six or seven months after injury. ”

He added: «Rodri will be good with the Spanish national team in the World Cup next summer. In the World Cup we will see the best performance of Rodri, and next season Rodri will be the best. As for this season, it will be related to managing the situation step by step. ”

He stressed: «This is normal, he spent a whole year at the physiotherapy table. The body changes, and the rhythm changes. It is only a matter of time. If he is in good health and continues to work on what he must do, he will return to his level. ”