Rodri reveals moment one manager taught him how to be a “bad guy” ahead of Manchester City transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City’s midfield superstar Rodri has revealed that one manager in his career taught him specifically how to be a “bad guy” on the field, during a new conversation.

The Spaniard has been nothing short of revolutionary since joining the ongoing project at the Etihad Stadium in the summer market of 2019, largely transforming the ability to undertake the desired system under Pep Guardiola.

Having somewhat struggled to acclimatise to the speed and intensity of English football in his debut season of 2019/20, Rodri has cemented himself as the very best defensive midfielder in world football since that campaign.

First learning the trade of a player in the position from Fernandinho, Rodri’s education and ability to operate physically in the Premier League started prior to meeting Manchester City’s legendary Brazilian.

Speaking exclusively to The Players’ Tribune, Rodri has revealed that Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone taught him the dark side of the professional game, and how to compete to a more aggressive standard.

“When I moved back home to Atlético for one season, I learned what competitiveness really means,” Rodri admitted. “When I was at Villarreal, I was very good with the ball at my feet, but I was still a bit soft.”

He continued, “Under Diego Simeone, I learned what it means to be the bad guy. To be a bit of a bastard on the pitch. To really tackle. To make the other team miserable for 90 minutes. That was another important piece.”

Discussing the opportunity to move to Manchester City from Atletico Madrid, Rodri went on to reveal the details of a conversation with one of Pep Guardiola’s former players, and a true master of the arts of dominating in defensive midfield.

“When I had the chance to move to City the next summer, it was a dream for me,” said Rodri. “I had spoken to Sergio Busquets before I agreed to the move, and he told me, ‘Pep? He is going to make you a better player. But he is never, never, never going to stop pushing you. You will never be finished.'”

“Sergio had the same role with Pep, and he achieved so many great things, so I put a lot of trust in his words. And he was completely right,” said the 28-year-old.

Rodri is yet to return to action for Manchester City this season, having been granted an extended summer away from club duties following his European Championship success with Spain in Germany.

With a number of high-profile matches on the horizon, including a meeting with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium and the return of UEFA Champions League football, Rodri’s return to on-field duties over the international break will be a timely boost for Pep Guardiola’s options.