'It talks more' - Rodri interview on leadership and rivals as he targets Man City history
manchestereveningnews.co.ukWhile he has a growing stable of emerging managers to have played under him, Pep Guardiola may be responsible for convincing Rodri NOT to go into coaching.
The Manchester City midfielder, who has combined a professional football career with a business degree, has felt for a while he had an eye for spotting talent but has been convinced further to become a sporting director after witnessing Guardiola close up. "I see Txiki [Begiristain] and I think what a good life this guy has!" laughed the midfielder. "I see Pep so stressed going here and there, talking to the players, I see Txiki and he is the most important part of this.
He decides who is coming in, what is good for the team. In modern football, I think sporting directors are so important - key for me." Also read: Man City have turned major weakness into their biggest strength If it would be a surprise to see such a strong disciple of Guardiola's football ignore coaching after his playing days, teammates, fans, and opposition alike have become used to Rodri being one step ahead.
After a chastening first year at the Etihad spent running backwards chasing the ball, the Spaniard has improved incrementally each season and has now mastered his own spin on the Fernandinho role that is the fulcrum of success in the manager's set-up.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk