16 | Rodri 2025/26

Glad it's just a minor issue. He is just absolutely levels above anyone else in that position. Nico is improving but Rodri is always there, like a metronome, dictating play from deep and as an out ball. Then, out of possession he just knows exactly where to be to win it back. The whole team ticks with him in the side, because they have such faith in him. And that ability to spread play is missing without him.

We just have to keep easing him in and hope he gains confidence in his body. It sounds as though he was being very cautious so came off, which is good. But he does need to learn to trust his body more - the mental toll of an injury like his is just as big as the physical one.
 
MCFC1993 said:
First 45mins were great but the first 20 were even better.

Not debating that it was a great result but we're a lot more controlled with him out there.
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Arguable because Rodri isn't at his best. I watched the Monaco game for example, and although we did OK, I don't think Rodri was that good. He certainly does offer potential 'control', and we all agree his recovery is very important. We have no choice but to play him as part of his rehab. so that we can get the old Rodri back but I am not sure we have reached the point where current Rodri is >> Gonzalez or Kovacic. Interesting question.
 
Fred_Quimby said:
So, how did we do yesterday without him? We must have shipped a hateful of goals for you to say that. I thought we kept a clean sheet so didn't do to bad.
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It was brentford away mate, missing half the team from last year that they sold with a manager who hasnt done more than 10 senior games in his career, lets not get carried. My point was no sleight on Nico, my point was how good a 50% version of Rodri is.
 
There was a lot of talk a couple of months ago about a new contract for Rodders, seems to have gone quiet? Anyone now how long he has left on his current contract?
 
BringBackSwales said:
There was a lot of talk a couple of months ago about a new contract for Rodders, seems to have gone quiet? Anyone now how long he has left on his current contract?
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2027 I think. Signed a five year extension in 2022. We will want it sorted asap, not sure why it hasn't been done yet but as you say it's gone a little quiet.
 
lionheart said:
Isn't it possible that Rodders made the most of his discomfort and came off early at Brentford in order to ensure that he avoided the internationals?
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Its possible. But i think more likely is that Rodri is very aware of his body and stops at the sign of any serious discomfort.

My sense is that he felt something. And he looked devastated. But it turns out it wasn't as bad as he thought it was.
 
Rumours from Jeremy Cross in The Mirror that there’s doubts over his future. Namely that he could be tempted by Madrid if he reach an agreement on a new deal here.

I hope to god it gets ironed out.

I can understand he wants to make sure we return to the top - a Ballon d’Or winner can’t be competing for top 4 - but he must see that as an anomaly too. And how he was treated during his injury. And how Madrid acted on his big night. And his Atletico connections. And how Pep/the club have elevated his level to what it is now.
 
skillman said:
Rumours from Jeremy Cross in The Mirror that there’s doubts over his future. Namely that he could be tempted by Madrid if he reach an agreement on a new deal here.

I hope to god it gets ironed out.

I can understand he wants to make sure we return to the top - a Ballon d’Or winner can’t be competing for top 4 - but he must see that as an anomaly too. And how he was treated during his injury. And how Madrid acted on his big night. And his Atletico connections. And how Pep/the club have elevated his level to what it is now.
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Questions will continue to persist until he signs a contract extension, or he comes out and emphatically says he isn't going to Madrid.
I personally would lose a little respect for him if he does leave for Madrid, because of how they treated him on the biggest night of his personal footballing life.

However, he has been an incredible servant to the club.
If we get his prime years, and still make off with a 90-100M transfer fee from Madrid, and use that to then buy someone like Adam Wharton for the next decade it may be as close to a perfect ending to a world class talent leaving as we could hope for.

Nobody lasts forever.
 
I think the injury lead to the contract situation getting away from us, and personally I think he'll leave in the summer. I think we've had his peak, and we do look like we're gonna spend 2/3 years figuring shit out (might win a league title anyway lol) and he hasn't got the time. not to mention that Madrid is just easy money/glory for a spanish player.
 
Apparently was seen training ahead of the Everton game.



Thoughts ? Uncomfortable conversation. He’s my favourite player and i’d hate for him to leave.
 
I'm starting to think we've seen the best of him and the injury has triggered the start of a slow decline exacerbated by further continuous niggling injuries.

How very typical City, the first time in our history we have a Ballon D'or winner and we effectively lose him as the player he was when he won it.

It's that bloody Gypsy curse again.
 
Gonna be a slog this season for Rodri. Hopefully over time it lets up. The team is better equipped to cope.

Such a shame.
 
It's a golden opportunity for Gonzalez to start several games in a row and become capable replacement for Rodri or his partner in midfield.

Rodri's return was never going to be easy. But he will be back.
 
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