How Manchester City wants to solve the Rodri dilemma

How Manchester City wants to solve the Rodri dilemma

According to Sports.

Background

Rodri, who played a central role in Manchester City's midfield last season, is now entering a crucial phase in his career. With just one year left on his contract, his return from injury could be crucial for both him and the club, especially considering the changes in the squad and the new coaching strategy under Enzo Maresca.

Why this is important

Rodri's upcoming back operation could have far-reaching consequences for Manchester City and its ambitions in global football. A key player who led Spain to 2026 World Cup victory, his absence in midfield is felt. The uncertainty over his future and the possibility of a move to Real Madrid raise questions about the club's long-term strategy.

Key findings

• How Manchester City wants to solve the Rodri dilemma.
• Manchester City face a difficult decision regarding Rodri, who needs to undergo surgery.
• How do Manchester City manage the Rodri dilemma?.

Manchester City is currently going through a phase of change. After ten years with the same coach, it is anything but easy to set up a new strategy, especially since the squad appears to be changing significantly. Four players from the 2022/23 championship team that celebrated the treble success have left the club: Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Bernardo Silva and John Stones. However, Elliot Anderson, who was worth 116 million euros, and the promising 17-year-old talent Jeremy Monga were newly signed. And the changes may not be complete yet. Rodri, who led Spain to victory in the 2026 World Cup, will undergo back surgery on Monday and has just one year left on his contract at Manchester City. There is also increasing speculation about his future. Exactly how long the 30-year-old will be out is unclear. But one thing was clear at new coach Enzo Maresca's first press conference: he wants to keep Rodri in the squad. But what if Real Madrid actually try to sign Rodri? Would Manchester City try to sell him after his recovery or would they hold on to Rodri? And what will Manchester City's midfield look like under Maresca, with or without Rodri? When Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last year, many, including myself, were skeptical that he would be able to return to his best. Pep Guardiola, the predecessor of Maresca, however, said in October last year: "Rodri will be the best Rodri in the coming World Cup, and next season he will also be the best Rodri." At the World Cup, Guardiola proved he was right, as Rodri not only became world champion but was also named best player of the tournament. Maresca also spoke very positively about Rodri on Friday: "I think every coach wants Rodri in his team because he is a top player. But now he has to recover after the operation and then he will play for us again." So it seems to be Manchester City's clear plan to keep one of the best players in the world. But just in case, alternatives must also be found. One of these alternatives is the aforementioned Elliot Anderson. Manchester City is also monitoring 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, who was able to attract attention for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. To understand how Rodri, Anderson and possibly Bouaddi would play together in the future, you have to take a closer look at Enzo Maresca's playing system. Maresca himself has said that he likes to compare his game to chess. “There are a lot of similarities,” says Maresca. "The most important thing is positional play and strategy. As a coach, it is important to have the mindset of a chess player: develop a plan, study possible counter-strategies and arrange the pieces on the chessboard optimally." The Maresca's game is based on a 3-2-2-3 formation when his team has the ball. One of Rodri's most important tasks in such a system would be to move flexibly between different positions on the pitch. An example of this is the World Cup final, in which Rodri often went back into the defensive line when Aymeric Laporte, a former teammate at Manchester City, went forward with the ball. But Rodri could also occasionally play an offensive role if there was room for it. Incidentally, Maresca himself often moved John Stones from defense to the central midfielder position last season, when he was still assistant coach at Manchester City. And that's where Elliot Anderson comes into play. The 23-year-old, similar to Rodri, can act both defensively and offensively. If Rodri and Anderson are on the pitch together, they could alternate with each other when necessary, thus ensuring an optimal balance between defense and offense. Bouaddi, who can also play defensively and offensively, would represent another such option for Maresca. If Rodri, Anderson and Bouaddi actually played in this formation, they would have the opportunity to vary their team's play. While Rodri has more experience and knows better how to position himself to take control of the game, Anderson and Bouaddi could be used as more attacking variants who are then able to would be to create more depth in the game. It is unclear whether and to what extent this system will work in the new season. Because everything will depend on whether Rodri can still maintain the level of a world-class player when he returns from injury. However, it will also depend on whether Maresca will have more players available in the new season who are capable of filling the different positions in such a system. Guardiola had often worked with a very small squad during his time at Manchester City, meaning very few players were able to play alternative positions. Maresca is expected to receive a larger squad, which would give him more options. It remains to be seen whether Manchester City will sign more players who fit into such a system. It will definitely be interesting to see how the club will deal with the situation surrounding Rodri.

What happens next

Following the operation, Manchester City are expected to closely monitor the situation surrounding Rodri. If he recovers quickly, the club could decide to keep him to maintain stability in the squad. Otherwise, a sale could be considered, especially if Real Madrid continue to show interest, which could affect the dynamics of global football.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rodri dilemma at Manchester City?

The Rodri dilemma relates focuses on the uncertainty over the future of Rodri, who has to undergo back surgery and only has one year left on his contract at Manchester City.

Who confirmed the intention to keep Rodri in the squad?

New coach Enzo Maresca made it clear at the first press event that he wanted to keep Rodri in the squad.

Why is now the right time for changes at Manchester City?

Manchester City is going through a period of change as several players from the 2022/23 championship team have left the club and a new strategy needs to be developed.

What changes have there been in the Manchester City squad?

Four players from the 2022/23 championship team have left the club, while Elliot Anderson and talented Jeremy Monga have been re-signed.

How will Manchester City's midfield look under Maresca?

The exact design of the midfield is unclear and depends on whether Rodri stays in the team after his recovery or not.

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