Pep Guardiola is considering using two of his centre backs to cover for Rodri in the upcoming games as John Stones is expected to miss further time with Manchester City.
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In place of Mateo Kovacic or Kalvin Phillips, Stones moved into defensive midfield during Rodri’s break against Young Boys, demonstrating his status as Guardiola’s preferred replacement for Rodri. After Rodri’s latest suspension, Stones sustained an injury and City dropped three straight games.
Now that Stones is scheduled for another stint out, Guardiola believes that Nathan Ake and Manu Akanji can fill in for Stones in case it becomes necessary.
As for replacing Rodri, Guardiola remarked, “Now we are in trouble,” alluding to Stones’ injury. It is not pleasant, therefore we will have to play a little differently, just like Arsenal. not alter many variants.
Nathan or Manu filled in for Kalvin [Phillips, the replacement], who had some excellent minutes. It is playable by them. They are steady and in control during changes. Nathan or Manu are both excellent players.”
A run of games ahead for City that includes matches against Chelsea, Liverpool, Leipzig, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Luton before they head to the Club World Cup in December will require all of Guardiola’s fit players, he continued.
“I saw how difficult it will be against Liverpool in the next four games, Luton as well,” he stated. In between Villa Leipzig, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, and so forth. John is gone, so maybe the guys will return from their international break in good shape. Everyone is necessary.
