Since September 2024, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri returned to Manchester City’s starting XI in the Premier League but had a quiet outing, and his team suffered defeat.
After nearly a year, Rodri couldn’t make much impact in the Premier League as he started against Brighton & Hove Albion. Following the 2-1 loss, the Spanish midfielder reminded everyone that returning after a long break doesn’t mean he can single-handedly win games. He believes the entire team must step up.
Even though Manchester City took the lead in the first half through Erling Haaland, they eventually fell 2-1 at Brighton. This marked Pep Guardiola’s side’s second consecutive defeat of the season.
Rodri had a subdued performance throughout the match. He managed only one shot on goal, which missed the target, and lost possession 13 times.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the 29-year-old said he is not Lionel Messi, who can come back and immediately influence the game.
“I’m not Messi who can come back and instantly win the game. This is a collective sport. In the past, when we’ve won, I’ve needed all my teammates. Of course, I need to return to my best form, and we all have to focus on ourselves. It’s a team effort. I hope after the international break we can be better.”
Rodri spent most of last season sidelined with an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury. He returned to competitive football in May and later played in four matches during the Club World Cup in June and July, three as a substitute. An ankle injury in one of those games kept him out of Manchester City’s opening 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He then appeared for the final 15 minutes as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-0 home defeat.
The Brighton match marked Rodri’s first Premier League start since September 2024, but it ended in another defeat.
After two losses in their first three league matches, criticism and discussions around City have naturally begun. Rodri, however, remains unfazed.
“To be honest, I don’t care what people think. People can think whatever they want. We just need to work hard, focus on ourselves, and let our performance speak at the end of the season.”
Rodri’s start also ended City’s streak of 49 unbeaten Premier League matches when he was in the starting XI.
