Pep Guardiola has gone ballistic on Manchester City midfielder Rodri after yesterday’s win against Nottingham Forest. Manchester City has started their Premier League title defense in great form, winning all six of their matches so far. However, Guardiola is unhappy after yesterday’s game despite City’s comfortable 2-0 victory against Forest.
Phil Foden and Erling Haaland‘s first-half strikes were enough to give Manchester City a 2-0 win against the Premier League minnows. However, Spanish midfielder Rodri had a rather uncharacteristic moment when he grabbed Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White’s throat. The referee, Anthony Taylor, had no hesitation to give Rodri the marching orders after his violent action.
Speaking after the match, Pep Guardiola was visibly upset with his midfield star. Guardiola, who had called Rodri the best midfielder in the world just a few days ago, refused to call him so after yesterday’s match. The City boss said, “Hopefully Rodri will learn. He has to control his emotions. I don’t like to play against 10. Today he is not the best midfielder in the world.“
Pep Guardiola’s reaction to Rodri’s Red Card….👀
Journalist:”On Thursday, you said he’s the best player in the world. Did he let you down?”
Pep:“Ah…Today he’s not the best player in the world, ok!”😅How much will the red card hurt Man City?😬pic.twitter.com/nlh4xyQg8D
— Opinionated Fan (@OpinionatedSF19) September 24, 2023
Following his red card, Rodri is set to be sidelined for as many as three matches. The Manchester City star’s absence will serve as a huge blow to Guardiola’s side who will take on Arsenal in a crucial Premier League clash next month. With City’s star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne already sidelined with an injury, City will face a Herculean task in dealing with Mikel Arteta’s fiery Arsenal side.
Pep Guardiola praises Arsenal’s “exceptional” captain
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has also expressed his admiration for Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard. At just 24 years of age, Odegaard is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League as well as the world. The Norwegian midfielder’s performances have led to several big clubs reportedly having an interest in the Arsenal star.
Moreover, ex-Manchester United star and current soccer pundit Gary Neville had even claimed that Guardiola would sign Odegaard “in a heartbeat.” Responding to Neville’s comments, Guardiola heaped praise on Odegaard and called him an “exceptional” player. The former FC Barcelona head coach also went on the highlight Odegaard’s importance in Mikel Arteta’s team.
Pep Guardiola on Martin Odegaard:
“He’s an exceptional player!” [Hayterstv] pic.twitter.com/w97M3XAPIQ
— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) September 23, 2023
Martin Odegaard has started this season in a bright form. The 24-year-old star has scored two goals and provided one assist in six Premier League appearances so far. In addition to this, Odegaard has also found the back on the net during Arsenal’s opening Champions League fixture against PSV last week.