Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes the signing of Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez will help his side cope with the absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
Gonzalez joined the English champions from Porto on the final day of the transfer window for a reported 60 million euros.
The 23 years old, who started his career at Barcelona, is expected to strengthen City’s midfield after Rodri’s knee injury left a major gap in the squad.
Guardiola expressed confidence in Gonzalez’s potential to make an impact, highlighting his versatility and strength.
“It’s a position where we were weak after the absence from Rodri,” Guardiola said. “A young player, 23 years old, can play number six and number eight, more in the pockets. Physicality – he’s a strong young boy.”
The Man City boss also noted his familiarity with Gonzalez from his time at Barcelona’s academy and the player’s family ties to Manchester City, as his father, Fran, previously worked as a coach at the club.
Manchester City’s hopes of winning a fifth consecutive Premier League title are fading fast, as they sit 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.
While they secured a place in the Champions League group stage, they now face a tough challenge against reigning champions Real Madrid in the play-off round later this month.
Manchester City will look to stay on course in the FA Cup this weekend when they visit League One side Leyton Orient. However, Guardiola remains cautious, recalling past struggles in cup competitions, including a shock defeat to Wigan in 2018.
“Always we have problems away in this competition in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup against teams from the Championship, League One, League Two. We struggle,” he admitted. “Every game is an opportunity to improve”
