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Rodri wants to repay Guardiola faith

Cape Town - Manchester City midfielder and club-record signing Rodri says that he wants to repay the faith shown in him by manager Pep Guardiola.

The 23-year-old was snapped up by the Citizens after the Premier League champions paid his £70 million release clause, as he signed a five-year deal in Lancashire.

He made his debut in the 2019 FA Community Shield against Liverpool, helping Guardiola’s side lift the trophy.

Guardiola has wasted no time in introducing Rodri to the Premier League, with the Spaniard making two appearances so far.

He helped City overcome West Ham United, while he was unable to help them get the better of Tottenham in the 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Rodri believes Guardiola will take his game to another level, and he admits he is already feeling comfortable in his new surroundings.

He told the club’s official website: “It’s good for me to play minutes, is not easy to get into a team with the dynamic City have – overwhelming, always wanting to attack. I’m trying to settle well, I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m happy because Pep’s showing me a lot of confidence.

“I’m feeling really settled here; I like the City. This group of guys is great; it will be like being with my family.”

Rodri is now expected to be a mainstay in the City team as he prepares to take over Fernandinho’s role. The Brazilian, now 34, is in the twilight years of his career and he is currently recovering from an injury.

Fernandinho was on the bench for Saturday’s draw with Spurs, but Guardiola is not planning to rush him back into action.

The Spaniard has a number of options in the middle of midfield with Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Phil Foden already to play in the engine room.

With Liverpool and Arsenal winning both of their games so far, City will need to respond in their next outing against Bournemouth. They then face Brighton at home before the international break before taking on Norwich, Watford and Everton in September.

With the fixtures becoming easier, City will be confident of sitting pretty at the top in just a few week’s time.

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