Pep Guardiola exclusive: Manchester City's Rodri could 'play in any generation’, hails ‘special player’ Phil Foden
By James Hilsum
Updated 10/05/2024 at 19:19 GMT+1
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola assessed the performances of both Rodri and Phil Foden this season, with the duo integral to the club's pursuit of an unprecedented fourth Premier League title in a row - a feat yet to be achieved in English football history. The Spaniard also discussed some of his sporting heroes, singling out basketball great Michael Jordan, and golf superstar Tiger Woods.
‘Could play in any generation’ - Guardiola praise for City star Rodri
Video credit: TNT Sports
Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Manchester City stars Rodri and Phil Foden for their consistency this season, and believes the former "could play in any generation".
The City manager also dismissed any suggestions that Rodri was underappreciated after being overlooked for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Speaking ahead of City's Premier League clash with Fulham on Saturday lunchtime, live on TNT Sports, Guardiola said: “I have an opinion that the holding midfielder has to be behind the scenes; strikers, wingers and people upfront [take the limelight].
“He has no doubt about how he's appreciated in the team and in English football, so I wouldn't say it is unfair that the other nominees are there.
“Of course, it could've been Rodri or another seven players there, so he knows how good he is and we know how important and an excellent player [he is].”
Guardiola believes that Rodri has the ability to play in Barcelona’s first European Cup-winning team under Johan Cruyff 32 years ago, and joked that it could cost him his place in that side.
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He quipped: “He would be competing with me for a position and then he would've been in trouble.
“These players could play in any generation in teams across the world. They are too good to not be at that level.
“If I was the manager, I would pick myself but if it was Johan Cruyff and he was smarter than me - then it would be Rodri by far.”
The Spaniard also waxed lyrical about Phil Foden and feels that the England international will only improve with age.
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‘No one has done it’ - Guardiola on prospect of City winning fourth Premier League title in a row
Video credit: TNT Sports
Guardiola said: “He's played really well, been consistent scoring goals and decisive in games; we're really pleased with that.
“Improvements come with the experience and the routine of playing games, so the players don't improve when they're sitting on the bench and the manager doesn't allow them to play. It's impossible, so you have to feel those good moments.
“It's the same with managers who have been managing for 10 years compared to the ones that have just arrived."
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‘We know what we have to do’ - Guardiola sets sights on victory over Fulham
Video credit: TNT Sports
When asked if Foden also had the potential to feature in that 1992 side, Guardiola replied: “Yeah, one day he could; Phil is a special player.”
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The 1990s theme continued with Guardiola recounting the exploits of legendary basketball superstar Michael Jordan, and the inspiration he took from the six-time NBA champion.
“When he was playing in the 90s, I would wake up at 3 or 4am at Barcelona while my wife was sleeping and I was watching the TV, because I had the feeling that I would never see again this kind of charisma, this competitor, this level of skill all in one person to win many championships,” he explained.
“Like Tiger Woods for example, or [Rafael] Nadal, [Roger] Federer, or [Novak] Djokovic, these kinds of athletes all have this one package.
“You don't know if you'll see it again so I don't want to miss it. Like when Tiger plays, I'm there; 18 holes or four days, I don't miss one shot because I don't think I'll see it again.”
How to watch Fulham v Manchester City
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