Liverpool fans want City game at Etihad
Guardiola was not amused by comments from fans and media that moving Fernandinho back into his preferred position could stabilise his inconsistent team.
While it has been clear Rodri is not quite the same player – he has looked better offensively but has appeared to struggle more with stopping opposition attacks – it has been an encouraging first year for one of the youngest stars in the team.
The 23-year-old averages more passes per game (81) than anyone else in the division, and analysis done by Spreadex shows that he has completed 1,069 passes in the opposition half another league high.
Based on their calculations of player performance, Rodri should be a leading contender for the Young Player of the Year Award.
That may sound surprising, and he was not really part of the conversation when the nominations for this season were being discussed. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, and Jack Grealish were the names commonly spoken about.
The fact Rodri has been such an important presence for City in the opposition half appears to have gone under the radar much like Fernandinho’s work did for many years at the Etihad.
That could be down to the nature of his passes - the Spaniard falls down the league table for key passes and assists but is also perhaps down to the wastefulness in front of goal of his team-mates.
Had City scored the goals their possession and opportunities had merited, maybe Rodri’s role would have been more recognised.
No footballer wants their contribution to be overlooked or ignored, but years of going under the radar did not diminish the satisfaction for Fernandinho when the team enjoyed greater success.
City could yet win a cup treble this season, and regardless the foundations look to be strong enough for Rodri to pick up winner’s medals regardless of the individual attention that comes his way.
LIVERPOOL supporters’ group the Spirit of Shankly says the Premier League clash with City should be played at the Etihad Stadium.
The fixture on July 2 is the only Premier League match in the rearranged calendar without a confirmed venue.
Manchester council’s safety advisory group will decide whether the Etihad can be used for the match, and the fans say it is vital they are given a voice in the discussions.
The group tweeted: “The venue for just one PL game - Man City v Liverpool - is yet to be confirmed. SOS and @1894group-mcfc believe this should be played at the Etihad. We’ve asked for fan input into the police/ safety advisory meeting on this fixture.”
Earlier this week the safety advisory group for Liverpool City Council gave the go-ahead for the Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park on June 21, which had been the only other fixture with an unconfirmed venue.
The season resumes on Wednesday when City host Arsenal and Aston Villa play Sheffield United.
A minute’s silence will take place in memory of the UK’s coronavirus victims at the matches on Wednesday, plus the games to follow on the weekend of June 19-22.
Teams will also have patches in support of the NHS sewn into their shirts as a mark of appreciation for the efforts of health and care workers during the pandemic.