Pep Guardiola has made it clear that any unhappy Manchester City player is free to leave the club.
“They Have to Leave”: Guardiola Won’t Stop Rodri Joining Real Madrid
The City manager spoke openly about Rodri’s future after the Spanish midfielder attracted interest from Real Madrid.
Rodri’s current contract expires at the end of next season, and he recently admitted that “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” when asked about a potential move to the Bernabéu.
Guardiola remains hopeful that the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will sign a new deal. “I think so,” he said.
“I know what the club wants. They informed me they want Rodri to stay.”
However, the manager refuses to force any player to remain against their will.
“If one player is not happy, they have to leave,” Guardiola stated.
“I think he is happy, but if he is not happy, just knock on the door of the sporting director and accept an offer according to his incredible quality.”
Guardiola fully understands the attraction of Real Madrid, especially for a Spanish player.
“There is no player that will turn down the chance to play for Madrid,” he admitted. “He was born in Spain.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola has challenged Phil Foden to rediscover his best form. The England international has started only eight of City’s last 20 games.
After two poor performances for England, national manager Thomas Tuchel warned that Foden’s World Cup place could be in danger.
“Sometimes you have to react and be stronger,” Guardiola said.
“The talent is there. He has to realise, ‘I have to do better.’ I know Phil perfectly and what he’s capable of.”
City face Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. Guardiola takes pride in his team’s record of reaching seven consecutive semi-finals.
“I don’t need to go to the Maldives to realise how incredible it is,” he added. “I’m sorry, it’s incredible.”
