Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was highly critical of Rodri after the player was sent off in their 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The reigning Premier League champions had taken a two-goal advantage thanks to first-half strikes from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. But City were reduced to ten men just 27 seconds into the second half.
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What Happened?
Rodri was penalised by referee Anthony Taylor following an altercation with Morgan Gibbs-White. Rodri shoved Morgan in the throat, resulting in a straight red card.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) upheld Taylor’s decision. The Spain international will be unavailable for next three matches, including crucial match against Arsenal.
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“Rodri has to learn”
One man who wasn’t too happy with the outcome was Pep Guardiola.
“I said at half-time to the players to be careful, to control themselves but Rodri couldn’t do that. I am angry with him but he apologised after the game. Rodri has to control himself and his emotions,” Guardiola said.
Pep had recently claimed the Spaniard was one of the best midfielders in the world. However, Guardiola (who himself was booked) added, “Today he wasn’t one of the best players in the world! I don’t like to play with 10 men.
“I can get a yellow card but Rodri can’t. The trick is to control yourself but I don’t play. Soon I’ll be in the tribune for too many yellow cards.”
As Rodri made his way off the pitch after his confrontation with Gibbs-White, the Manchester City manager put on a stone face.
Guardiola also said that Rodri privately apologised to his teammates after the game, which City won fairly comfortably in the end.
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