Manchester City: Maresca wants to find the 'new Rodri'

Manchester City now has to learn how to move forward without Rodri. Having left for the FC Barcelona, the Spanish midfielder leaves a significant gap in the Citizens' squad, and Enzo Maresca has admitted that finding his replacement is now a top priority.

A tough departure to compensate

Since joining Manchester City in 2019, Rodri gradually established himself as one of the team's most vital players. His spell with the Citizens was marked by numerous trophies, including the Champions League, as well as his Ballon d'Or win in 2024.

For Enzo Maresca, the challenge now is to find a player capable of gradually taking over the role. "I will try to find a new Rodri, that's how it is," explained the Italian manager. Manchester City has already bolstered its midfield with the arrival of Elliot Anderson, but Maresca believes that Rodri's profile is particularly difficult to replace.

Manchester City wants to continue its cycle

Nonetheless, the Italian manager reminded everyone that Manchester City has already managed to overcome the departures of several key players:

When David Silva was here, everyone was worried, then Kevin De Bruyne arrived. When Sergio Agüero was here, everyone was concerned, then Erling Haaland arrived. When Fernandinho left, Rodri arrived.

The message is clear: Manchester City is not necessarily looking for a player who can instantly replicate everything Rodri brought to the team. Instead, the club may look to identify a midfielder with the potential to gradually establish himself as a new cornerstone of their sporting project.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Manchester City

Barcelona