Manchester City Faces Rodri Dilemma Amid Squad Overhaul

New Delhi, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: Manchester City are in flux.

Replacing a manager after 10 years is no easy feat, let alone when there appears to be a squad overhaul too. The departure of Pep Guardiola, who led the team to unprecedented success, including a historic treble in the 2022-23 season, has left a significant void. Guardiola's tactical acumen and ability to motivate players were instrumental in City's rise to prominence in both domestic and European competitions.

Four of the starters in City's Treble-winning side of 2022-23 - Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones - have left this summer, with the Blues signing £116m Elliot Anderson and promising 17-year-old Jeremy Monga. The loss of experienced players like Stones and Silva, who contributed not only in terms of skill but also leadership, raises questions about the team's depth and cohesion moving forward.

And the changes might not end there. Fresh from captaining Spain to World Cup victory, Rodri will head for back surgery on Monday with just a year left on his contract, amid increasing speculation about his future. Rodri's performances have elevated him to one of the top midfielders in the world, and his absence could be keenly felt.

It is not clear how long the 30-year-old will spend on the sidelines, but one thing new boss Enzo Maresca was clear on in his first news conference was that he wants to keep him. Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola's assistant, is tasked with maintaining the club's competitive edge while integrating new talent and adapting his tactical philosophy.

But with reports that Real Madrid are "operating on the basis" of Rodri joining them, what do City do? Will they look to cash in when Rodri returns to fitness, or keep to Maresca's stance? The financial implications of either decision could be significant, especially considering the lucrative nature of a potential transfer to a rival club like Real Madrid.

And how might Maresca's midfield operate - with or without Rodri? The integration of new players into the squad will be critical as the team seeks to maintain its high standards.

What's the background?

When Rodri returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury last year, there will have been plenty who wondered whether he would return to the Ballon d'Or-winning levels he had reached at his peak. His recovery and subsequent performances have been a testament to his skill and determination. Pep Guardiola - the man Maresca has replaced - said last October: "In the World Cup, he will be the best Rodri, and next season he will be the best Rodri." Guardiola was proved right on the first count. Not only did Rodri captain Spain to World Cup success, but he was also awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

Maresca was unequivocal when asked for his view on Friday. "I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player," he said. "But now, surgery on Monday... he needs a holiday... he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us." The plan seems clear, therefore - look to retain one of the best players in the world rather than sell him.

However, there will have to be contingencies in place. One of these will be the presence of Anderson, while City are monitoring 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed for Morocco in the World Cup. The potential addition of Bouaddi indicates a strategic focus on youth and adaptability in the midfield, aligning with Maresca's vision for the team.

What does a Maresca midfield look like?

To understand how Rodri, Anderson, and someone like Bouaddi might come together, it is key to understand Maresca's game model. As a disciple of positional play, he draws comparisons between his and chess. "There are a lot of similarities," Maresca said. "The most important is positional play and strategy. For a coach, it's important to have the mentality of a chess player: develop a plan, study counter-moves, choose the arrangement of the pieces." This analogy underscores the complexity and strategic depth that Maresca aims to implement in his coaching approach.

Maresca's strategy has largely been rooted in an on-the-ball shape that looks like a 3-2-2-3. One of Rodri's most useful qualities in a Maresca side would be his ability to move between these predefined positions on the pitch. Throughout the World Cup, for example, we saw him drop into the backline when former City team-mate Aymeric Laporte pushed up with the ball. This fluidity is essential for maintaining the team's shape and allowing for quick transitions between defense and attack.

Naturally, Rodri spent most of the game in a holding midfield position, but when space opened up, he was more than capable of pushing forward too. At their best, Maresca's sides use rotations of players within the 3-2-2-3. His innovation often comes in the form of creating this shape in new ways. Defending as a 4-4-2 before attacking in the 3-2-2-3, it was Stones who stepped up from center-back into a midfield pair with Rodri during City's Treble-winning season when Maresca was assistant manager. This adaptability is a hallmark of Maresca's tactical philosophy.

At Chelsea, one of Maresca's more unique tweaks involved playing Moises Caicedo at right-back. Defending with a back four before again attacking in a 3-2-2-3 shape, Caicedo would move from right-back into one of the holding midfield positions. Such tactical flexibility could be vital for City as they navigate the challenges of a new season with an evolving squad.

Where does Anderson fit in?

Here is where the signing of Anderson makes such sense. Throughout his career, the 23-year-old has played in every midfield and attacking position at one point. For England, he has frequently dropped into defense to form a back five out of possession. His versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical demands, making him an invaluable asset for Maresca.

Alongside Rodri, Anderson would be able to sit deep, allowing the Spaniard to showcase his attacking quality - and vice versa. Both players would be capable of taking turns in dropping deeper to maintain the balance of the team if strong carriers of the ball like Marc Guehi or Josko Gvardiol were to push forward. This dynamic partnership could enhance City's midfield stability and creativity.

Piggy-backing on the success of Rodri's work with Bernardo Silva, City would hope their new versatile and combative winger-turned-holding-midfielder will bring about similar success. The ability to interchange positions and responsibilities will be crucial for City as they seek to maintain their status as one of the top clubs in Europe.

What if Rodri goes?

City will look better with Rodri, who possesses an understanding of positioning, speed, and risk that Anderson and future signings may take time to grasp. After all, it took Rodri a few seasons to navigate the change in environment under Fernandinho's wing. The experience and insight that Rodri brings to the team are irreplaceable, particularly during high-pressure matches where tactical discipline is paramount.

But should he go, Maresca has previously shown an impressive ability to recognize positions players could move into but haven't yet done: Stones into holding midfield, Caicedo into full-back, Marc Cucurella into attacking midfield... the list goes on. This adaptability in player roles could help mitigate the impact of Rodri's departure, should it happen.

Whether or not City further bolster their squad, Maresca will hope to have a greater number of pieces to place on his board - a departure from Guardiola's approach of maintaining a smaller squad. This factor - and this holds true whether or not Rodri stays - should give City's new boss a greater chance of landing on a working formula next season. The implications of these decisions will resonate throughout the club, influencing not just the immediate future but also the long-term vision for Manchester City as they strive for continued success in both domestic and European competitions.