New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that star midfielder Rodri will undergo surgery on his back this coming Monday. The 30-year-old Spain captain, who was recently named Player of the Tournament following his team’s World Cup victory, has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons. Maresca explained that after the procedure, the player will require a period of rest and recovery before returning to the squad.
Addressing recent reports linking Rodri to a potential move to Real Madrid, Maresca dismissed the speculation. He emphasized that rumors are common regarding elite players, especially those who have achieved recent success on the international stage. The coach stated he remains unconcerned about these reports, highlighting Rodri’s status as a top-tier athlete whom any manager would want to include in their lineup.
During his inaugural news conference as manager, Maresca also discussed the challenge of succeeding Pep Guardiola. Having previously served as an assistant during the 2022-23 Treble-winning season, Maresca expressed that taking over the role is a privilege. He acknowledged Guardiola as the premier coach of the last two decades and stated his commitment to maintaining the standard of excellence established at the club over the past 15 years.
Regarding squad management, Maresca noted that other players are expected to join training shortly before the Community Shield match against Arsenal on August 16. While he hinted at remaining activity in the transfer market, he declined to provide specifics on individual players such as James Trafford or Jack Grealish, focusing instead on his transition into the role and the club’s organizational structure.
