Unexpected twist: Guardiola changes tactics for Rodri

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed deep regret over the loss of Rodri Hernández to a long-term injury. The Spanish midfielder, a key figure in Guardiola's system, is set to miss the remainder of the season.

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"We can't count on Rodri, and we miss him terribly. He's the best player in the world in his position. Imagine our time at Barcelona. Messi was the best at that time. Do you think we could have won the treble playing an entire season without him?" Guardiola lamented.

With Rodri out for the season, Guardiola has been actively seeking a suitable replacement. While targets like Martín Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes seemed out of reach, the City boss turned to a familiar face: Sergio Busquets.

A reunion almost was

According to La Posesión, Guardiola personally called Busquets to gauge his interest in a move to the Etihad Stadium. Initially, the former Barcelona captain seemed open to the idea of returning to Europe, but after careful consideration, he opted to remain at Inter Miami, where he has been playing since the summer of 2023.

Busquets, 36, was the heartbeat of the Barcelona team during Guardiola's highly successful tenure at the club. Therefore, it's no surprise that Guardiola would consider a reunion with his former midfield partner, especially during a time of crisis at Manchester City.

A difficult decision

The decision to turn down Manchester City was not an easy one for Busquets. The opportunity to reunite with Guardiola and compete at the highest level of European football is undoubtedly tempting. However, the allure of a new challenge in MLS and the chance to be part of a growing project in Miami ultimately swayed him.

Implications for Manchester City

Rodri's absence is a significant blow to Manchester City. The Spanish midfielder has been an integral part of the team's success in recent years, providing a solid defensive base and excellent distribution.

With Busquets opting to stay in the United States, Guardiola will have to find a different solution to the problem. The club has been linked with a number of midfielders in recent weeks, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to find a suitable replacement for Rodri before the transfer window closes.

Conclusion

Pep Guardiola's attempt to reunite with Sergio Busquets at Manchester City highlights the importance of the Spanish midfielder to his plans. While the move did not materialize, the episode underscores the challenges facing Guardiola as he seeks to fill the void left by Rodri's injury. As Manchester City looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how they cope without one of their most important players.