As long Rodri is ready for next season that is all that matters for Manchester City | OneFootball

Rodri finally returned to the pitch for Manchester City during their 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday evening. After missing 8 months of football it was a great sight to see Manchester City’s midfield general back on the pitch. But despite his return, Rodri will need time to return to his best. On top of this, all that matters is that City’s midfield general is ready for next season. This summer may play a key role in that process for Rodri and Manchester City.

Rodri will need time to get back to his best.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference yesterday ahead of Manchester City’s crucial clash with Fulham, Pep Guardiola revealed that everyone at Manchester City is pleased to have Rodri back. The City manager further explained that Rodri will need time to rediscover his touch and form. Speaking on Rodri’s return he told the media: “We’re really pleased he’s back, really pleased for the reaction for our people to him. I’m pretty sure he’s so pleased with that.”

“There’s still a long way to be the Rodri he was.”

“My guess will be next season we start to see Rodri not in the way like we have seen before the injury where he played 70 games every three days.”

“It will take longer for that because the experience with this surgery is to be careful; otherwise, have muscular problems and this kind of stuff.”

“But this is the first step for mind and knee still is not to see Rodri the way we know him.”

The FIFA Club World Cup could help Manchester City work Rodri back into form.

There are financial benefits to be gained for Manchester City by participating in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. But at times you do wonder if playing in the tournament is worth the risk from a Manchester City point of view. But they will play in the tournament so perhaps it could be used as an opportunity for Pep Guardiola to get minutes into several of his players ahead of next season. Rodri is one of those. Oscar Bobb is another.

Perhaps getting minutes into their legs will be a positive from playing in the FIFA Club World Cup for Pep Guardiola’s side. Manchester City’s pre-season will be disjointed due to their participation in the tournament in the United States. So it could be used to get minutes into the legs of Rodri and Oscar Bobb and any potential new signings City makes ahead of the tournament. In the case of Rodri in particular, that will help him get ready for next season. That may be the positive of City’s participation in FIFA’s shiny new tournament.

It is great to see Rodri back on the pitch for Manchester City. Although, he will need time to rediscover his best touch and form. But as long as he’s ready for next season in as good a shape as possible, that is all that matters in regards to Rodri’s fitness.