Manchester City’s busy schedule as they aim for another set of major trophies is causing strain on their key player.
Rodri, the midfielder from Spain, who hasn’t been on the losing side in his last 66 games for both club and country over a year, admitted after City’s 3-3 draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals that he needs a break.
“We all can improve, including myself, but honestly, we need some rest,” Rodri told reporters after the match at Santiago Bernabéu. “I do. I need some rest.”
This break might happen when they play Luton in the Premier League on Saturday. City currently sits in third place, one point behind Arsenal and Liverpool.
The second leg against Madrid is just four days later, meaning City will be playing two games every week for the rest of the season.
City suffered three losses in the league this season, against Wolverhampton, Arsenal, and Aston Villa, and all of these occurred while Rodri was suspended. Additionally, City’s loss to Newcastle in the English League’s third round also happened when Rodri was banned.
However, Rodri was rested for City’s last game against Luton in the FA Cup in February, and the team won 6-2.
“We’ll see… how we handle the situation. Sometimes, it’s just how things are,” Rodri said. “Rest is something we are considering, for sure.”
