Pep Guardiola statement on Rodri’s expel, these were his words

Manchester City had a tremendous win over Nottingham Forest in order to achieve their sixth victory of the Premier League tournament and maintain their undefeated streak and also, keep their leadership of the English league standings. Nevertheless, Rodrigo was expelled from the matchup in the 56’ minute.

This are terrible news for the Citizens, as Rodri will miss three Premier League matchups, where the most important will be against Arsenal, which has demonstrated to be a lethal threat in the Premier League and may be the only team to take away Manchester’s City winning streak.

Rodrigo was expelled from the match after an encounter against Gibbs-White, when the Spaniard midfielder tried to choke Nottingham’s player but instantly regretted it. Nonetheless, the damage was done and there was nothing left to do. Pep Guardiola looked furious when Rodri got expelled, even when he told the team in the halftime to keep their mind at ease and to not fall into the enemies tricks.

“We have been here for eight years and we know each other quite well. I said at half-time to be careful with the referee. Relax and control your emotions. Unfortunately, Rodri did not. We have to accept the decision”, said Pep Guardiola in the postgame press conference.

What’s next for Rodri?

Pep Guardiola was noticeably upset by the referee’s decision on Rodri, “I hope Rodri learns. You have to control yourself and your emotions. They can get a yellow card for me, but not for Rodri. I do not play. You have to be careful. The referee changed the game. I don't understand why the first action of the game wasn't a yellow card for them and our first action was, I don't understand it.”.

The Spanish midfielder has already apologized to their teammates and Guardiola as he will be out for three consecutive games and will jeopardize Manchester City's attack in the midfield against Arsenal, who is now the enemy to defeat, as the Gunner’s have proven they want to go for the grand finale of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.