Soccer
Rodri going nowhere states new boss Enzo Maresca
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Enzo Maresca has begun his Manchester City tenure by ruling out any possibility of Rodri leaving the club this summer.
The Italian was in front of the cameras for the first time as City boss today as he begins the difficult task of following in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola and the empire he built at the club.
He returns to Manchester following a stint as assistant boss to Guardiola that saw them taste treble success together in 2023, but knowing he has big shows to fill, he has immediately ruled out any possible exit for his star Spanish midfielder, who was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player at this month's finals.
"Around big players there are always speculations, so I am not worried about that," he said when asked about Rodri's future.
"I think it is normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup and because he is one of the best players. I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player."
However, there was some small concern for City fans, with Maresca revealing that the World Cup winner will need surgery on his back following the end of the tournament in North America.
"Now, [he has] surgery on Monday. Then he needs a holiday; he needs to rest and recover, and then he will be back with us."
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No time frame was put on the former Ballon d'Or winner's return, but it's a blow to the new manager as he looks to get his side set for the new campaign and challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title.
Rodri was back to his best during the festivities Stateside, something fans will be keen to see at The Etihad following a slow recovery from his ACL injury in 2024.
Despite the setback, the former Chelsea manager is excited for the new campaign and the chance to follow one of the best coaches the league has ever seen.
Adding, "I want to say it is a privilege because it's the reason why the club decided to go for me; that is a privilege," he said.
"I have said many times, I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years. It is a challenge [to replace him]."
Manchester City will take on Arsenal in the Community Shield on 16 August before opening up their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth a week later.How to watch the Premier League in Canada
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