Rodri needs rest , he even said it himself. Kovacic can play as a 6 so we can give Rodri rest but then you need another midfielder to take Kovacic’s role. This is all about giving Rodri a rest Pep looks to not trust Kalvin at all.
Right now Rodri is going to have to do what he did last year and play nearly every game.
Another midfielder means we can rest Rodri and play Kovacic in his position. While that new midfielder and Foden play in front.
Just gives us more options. But most importantly gives Rodri a rest.
If not then Rodri is going to play nearly all the games again as well as internationals with Spain. And we are going to have to hope he doesn’t get an injury