Rodri has sent a warning to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, saying Kevin De Bruyne’s return is a turning point.
The Manchester City midfielder reckons “everything is easy” with De Bruyne. The Belgian ace helped City to a comeback win over Newcastle with a goal and a stunning assist pass for Oscar Bobb’s injury-time decider in the 3-2 clash at St James’ Park.
Rodri was one of City’s captains who called a dressing room meeting to urge Pep Guardiola’s side to stay true to their way of playing, despite the lack of ruthlessness that has earned them victories in key games this season. The return of Bruyne, who is far from compatible after his hamstring operation in August, is very important ahead of Liverpool’s chase.
Rodri said: “Of course, when you miss that type of player, who makes the difference, you never know. There were games where, in my opinion, we were the better team, but we didn’t have that extra ability to score or score. Whatever you want.
“But with Kevin, it’s all easy. That’s the reality, we want it. All these years, we want it now. It’s going to be vital for the next month and beyond. I told him his season starts now and it’s like, “That’s going to be the key for us. We’ve noticed it in Newcastle, he’s one of the best. “
City are on the trail of Liverpool after squandering ground at Christmas by winning the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Rodri explained the players’ meeting and the call to arms by saying: “It was just to make sure that all the guys were focused on what the other groups are doing.
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“He still believes in it even if the problems weren’t there and the performances were smart and it was just a necessity – the speech of the mind. I was one of the captains, I think it was a smart thing to do. It’s anything we try to do on a regular basis and it’s anything that helps the team. And the coach said in the speech that it’s better to win like in Newcastle, than 4-0. Sometimes I disagree. I prefer to be a little more relaxed.
“But yes, he showed character. I think Everton and Newcastle were fair games. We didn’t deserve to lose at half-time, the Everton game because of my mistake and the Newcastle game because I think we weren’t very clinical.
“But we’re a team, we’re together, we’ve got to figure these things out. I think when we do the second half, you see that intention, that inner hunger. “
Rodri expressed his frustration at the way matches are refereed in a “negative” way. He added: “I’ve had 8 yellow cards with two or three tackles, the others are like, I don’t know what, but that’s the “We know how difficult it is to get past Newcastle, win and hold on. It’s about winning and performing. We bring out the best in ourselves.
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