‘We missed him a lot right?!’

Pep Guardiola hailed Rodri’s influence on his return to the Manchester City starting XI after they thrashed Juventus 5-2 at the Club World Cup.

City clinched top spot in Group G with a 100 percent record as Jeremy Doku’s ninth-minute opener, an own goal from Pierre Kalulu and goals from Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Savinho saw them ease to victory in Orlando.

Rodri started for the first time since tearing his ACL in September, with the Ballon d’Or winner’s absence for most of 2024-25 seen as a key factor behind a trophyless campaign for City in which they did not confirm Champions League qualification until the final day.

His influence was clear throughout his 66 minutes on the pitch, and Guardiola was effusive in his praise of the midfielder after City’s latest dominant win.

Guardiola told DAZN: “We missed him [Rodri] a lot, right?! I had the feeling last season we had an incredible team, but had a lot of problems; injuries, injuries, injuries.

“Which team is not going to miss the best player in the world?! His composure, he knows exactly what he has to do with the ball, the personality, many things.

“I didn’t expect him to play as much minutes after 45, but he said, ‘A few more’, and the game was good in the second half with control, and after, OK! He’ll be ready for the next one!”

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Guardiola was delighted with City’s overall performance, with an Ederson mistake for Teun Koopmeiners’ 11th-minute equaliser and Dusan Vlahovic’s late consolation for Juve the only blots on his side’s display.

“It’s a long, long time since we made a performance like today – with and without the ball, and the players were committed,” Guardiola added.

“We talked about what we have to improve to be who we were in the past and happy to finish first against a top, top side that proved it in the past and recent games. We’re waiting for who will be our opponent.

“Listen, it’s just one game! But I think today, more than anything, the players felt again what we have to do to be a good team. There’s no more secrets than that. It’s not necessary for words or images, they played and knew it.”

The victory will likely see City avoid facing Real Madrid in the last 16. Los Blancos face Red Bull Salzburg in a Group H finale they will be expected to win to top that group. Salzburg and Al Hilal are the other possible opponents for City in the next round.