‘It’s something we’re planning’ – Rodri reveals upcoming Manchester City line-up change amid desire for ‘rest’

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are plotting an imminent period of rest for defensive midfield mainstay Rodrigo following a run of high-intensity matches.

The Spanish midfielder is currently on a remarkable unbeaten run across all competitions for Manchester City stretching over a period of 429 days and spanning across his last 66 matches for the club.

In that time, Rodri has also starred alongside his Manchester City teammates in winning five trophies, whilst also scoring the history-making winning goal against Inter in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul.

However, as the ongoing 2023/24 season reaches it’s most hectic period and City remain in pursuit of three trophies, Rodri has indicated a clear desire to drop out of Pep Guardiola’s plans in order to perform at his highest level when needed most.

Speaking after Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Real Madrid on Tuesday night, Rodri has admitted that while he does need a rest, it is a conversation that is currently being had at the football club in terms of when is best to issue that drop out from the starting line-up.

“I do need a rest,” Rodri explained, as relayed by MailSport’s Jack Gaughan. “It is something we are planning. Let’s see how we speak, how we live the situation. Sometimes it is what it is (and) I need to adjust. Rest is important.

“Every one of us can do better, even myself. But we need to rest to be honest.”

On the subject of Real Madrid, the midfielder pointed out, “They were a bit fresher in the first half than us, it’s normal. But I think the mentality of the team to go against them and come back with those goals sums up the mentality of the champions we are.”

Manchester City could look towards this weekend as an opportunity to withdraw Rodrigo from starting line-up responsibilities, as the Premier League champions welcome Luton Town to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The meeting against Rob Edwards’ side precedes the return leg of the club’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid, before Manchester City then travel to Wembley to take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.