How do you replace the irreplaceable?
Pep Guardiola is already weary of that question.
The manager of Manchester City has started his search for a way to address the significant absence of key central midfielder Rodri during the 1-1 draw against Newcastle in the English Premier League on Saturday.
This match marked the first league appearance since Rodri was sidelined for the remainder of the season due to ACL damage. In St. James’ Park, Guardiola opted for Rico Lewis, a full-back out of his usual position, and Mateo Kovacic in central midfield, with Bernardo Silva contributing from the wing late in the game.
All three players received praise from Guardiola for their performances, but none can truly replicate Rodri, the Spain international and a strong contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
“Listen, I know you will keep asking me — of course, Rodri is missed for his physicality and presence,” Guardiola stated, labeling his fellow Spaniard as “irreplaceable” this week.
“But he is not here. So I will evaluate Kovacic and Rico and Bernardo, along with the wingers like Jack (Grealish), based on how we played. It was exceptional, so it’s straightforward.”
Guardiola is known for his tactical innovation, and he faces a significant challenge in the upcoming months to create a strategy that compensates for Rodri’s absence. Rodri plays a vital role in orchestrating City’s attacking movements and safeguarding the defense.
Options like Ilkay Gundogan can serve as a holding midfielder, while Kevin De Bruyne has the ability to play deeper, although he is currently sidelined due to injury, along with winger Oscar Bobb and defender Nathan Ake.
“I would love to have Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Kevin, and Ake available. I would love that,” Guardiola remarked. “But it is what it is.”
