CATS MUST BEWARE FIRED-UP RODRIGUEZ
SOUTHAMPTON STRIKER EAGER TO MAKE MOST OF EFL CUP CHANCE AGAINST SUNDERLAND
Sunderland will need to beware fired-up Jay Rodriguez when they head to Southampton for Wednesday night’s EFL Cup fourth round tie.
The England international has already scored against the Black Cats this season, the late home equaliser in August’s 1-1 draw, and he is desperate to make the most of his chances to shine.
Prior to Thursday’s Europa League trip to Inter Milan, Rodriguez had only managed 99 minutes all told in his five appearances for Saints this term.
But the former Burnley forward’s 78-minute stint in Italy has only inspired his desire for more starts.
Despite the absence of Shane Long with a hamstring injury at Manchester City in tomorrow’s Premier League clash, Rodriguez may again be on the bench, but he is almost certain to start when Sunderland visit St Mary’s in midweek.
Rodriguez, reflecting on only his second start of the season, said: “I felt great and I just want more and more of it. I’m sure the goals will come I just need to keep persisting to be on the field.
“It’s one of them things where it happens at times and I’m working extra hard to keepfit.I’mneverhappyafter a game where I’ve not scored but I just need to concentrate on each game as it comes.
“I need regular games and hopefully I can help the team to accomplish what we what we want to achieve.”
The 27-year-old insisted his fitness was not a concern after passing up the chance to give Southampton the lead against Inter.
He was put through on goal after nine minutes, with the score at 0-0, but hesitated before losing possession when well placed to score. He demonstrated a similar lack of confidence later on, and was substituted as Saints fell behind.
Rodriguez, back making regular appearances having suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in 2014 and experiencing several setbacks en route to recovery, added: “I cut inside and I should have squared it or taken the shot early. It was just one of those things. I should have decided earlier what I was going to do.”
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola claims he would rather quit Manchester City – who face Saints at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow – than change his methods.
The City manager yesterday made a passionate defence of his approach in the wake of his side’s humbling 4-0 Champions League loss at Barcelona, a result which extended their winless run to four games.
Asked if he ever thought of changing his plans, the former Barca and Bayern Munich boss said: “I think about that, yes, but after that the solution is not better than what I believe. So I cannot.
“Do you know why? Because in seven years I won 21 titles. So it’s three titles per year playing in that way.
“But if you believe I arrive here and in three months everything is going well and I’m going to win in the Camp Nou 0-4, I’m going to dominate against Messi and Luis Suarez, and Neymar is going to create nothing, and Iniesta isn’t going to play good, no.
“I’m good, but it’s not enough! No, I’m not going to change.”