“We’ll Play With 11” – Pep Guardiola Downplays Rodri’s Absence For Arsenal Clash

By The Editor
on 27th September 2023

Pep Guardiola downplays Rodri’s suspension…

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola downplayed Rodri’s absence for the upcoming clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium after the midfielder was sent off for violent conduct.

Rodri, a player who’s pivotal to Guardiola’s team, shoved Morgan-Gibbs White in the face during last weekend’s 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium.

The Spanish international will likely join the likes of Kevin De Bryune, Bernardo Silva and John Stones on the sidelines as the champions look to establish an early lead in the title race.

Both teams have away games in the Premier League to take care of before the mouthwatering game in north London with Mikel Arteta’s men travelling south to Bournemouth, while the league leaders take on Wolves.

“We play with 11 at the Emirates Stadium, that’s for sure,” the former Bayern Munich boss told reporters,

When asked about the alternative options in that position, Kalvin Phillips received some rare praise.

“Yeah, he played really good today. For the type of game we need, defensively and keeping the ball – it was amazing.”

We’ve never beaten Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in a Premier League game and while our form isn’t exactly scintillating at the moment, one couldn’t think of a better moment to break that duck.

Arteta has his own injury headaches to contend with, although recent reports suggest that a number of players will return to the squad ahead of that game next month.