Pep Guardiola Compares Rodri's Impact to Michael Jordan's Legacy

Manchester City is enduring a challenging phase, with only one victory in their last ten matches, a downturn that coincides with the absence of their pivotal midfielder, Rodri. The Spanish international suffered a severe knee injury against Arsenal in September, sidelining him for the majority of the season. His importance to the team was underscored when he was awarded the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Addressing the team's recent form, manager Pep Guardiola drew a parallel between Rodri's influence and that of Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls. He remarked, 'The Chicago Bulls won six NBA titles with Michael Jordan, right? Since Jordan retired, how many have they won?' This comparison highlights the void left by Rodri's injury and its impact on the team's performance.

Guardiola has been vocal about the challenges posed by a congested fixture schedule, which he believes contributes to player injuries. He advocates for larger squads to manage the demands of multiple competitions, stating, 'We have more games than ever in this calendar... you need a squad of 25-30 players.'

Despite the setbacks, Guardiola remains optimistic about the future. He expressed confidence that with the return of key players like Rodri, Manchester City will regain their strength and competitiveness. 'When the players come back, we'll be strong again,' he affirmed.

This analogy not only underscores Rodri's critical role within the squad but also reflects Guardiola's deep appreciation for sports legends like Michael Jordan, whom he has previously cited as one of his sporting idols.