Rodri insists he can’t single-handedly change Man City’s fortunes after their defeat to Brighton, humorously stating he’s ‘not Messi’. His return from an ACL tear wasn’t enough to prevent a loss, ending his 49-game unbeaten streak as a starter. He emphasizes teamwork, noting City lost two of their first three games, a poor start since 2004-05. He hopes the team can improve after the break, highlighting the need for collective effort to bounce back and challenge for the title.
Rodri has tempered expectations surrounding his return to the Manchester City lineup, asserting that he cannot single-handedly reverse the team's fortunes after their recent 2-1 defeat to Brighton. The midfielder, with a touch of humor, stated, "I’m not Messi," indicating that he doesn't possess the individual brilliance to instantly transform the team's performance.
The Spanish international made his first Premier League start in nearly a year at the Amex Stadium, marking his comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear sustained against Arsenal last September. His presence initially seemed to stabilize City, as Erling Haaland's goal in the 34th minute gave them the lead. In the first half, City dominated, allowing Brighton only one shot at their goal. The tide, however, turned dramatically in the second half.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler's strategic substitutions around the hour mark proved to be game-changing. Introducing four fresh players injected new energy into the home side, with substitutes James Milner and Brajan Gruda both finding the net to secure a comeback victory for Brighton. This defeat marked the end of an impressive run for City with Rodri in the starting lineup. Prior to this match, City had not lost a Premier League game with Rodri starting since February 2023, when they were defeated 1-0 by Tottenham.
Rodri's remarkable 49-game unbeaten streak as a starter was the second-longest in Premier League history, highlighting his significant influence on the team's success. The record is held by Sol Campbell, who enjoyed a 56-match unbeaten run with Arsenal from 2002 to 2004, showcasing the consistency and impact a player can have over an extended period.
Reflecting on the game, Rodri acknowledged his limitations, emphasizing that he cannot carry the team in the same manner as Lionel Messi, the Barcelona and Argentina legend. “I’m not Messi. I’m not going to come back and make the team win and win,” Rodri reiterated. “This is a collective; when we won in the past, I needed all my team-mates. For sure, I have to recover and find my best level.”
He further stressed that his return alone is not a guaranteed solution to City’s problems. “It’s not like, because I’m back, we’re going to win. It’s a collective sport. Hopefully, after the break, we can come back much better.” His comments underscore the importance of teamwork and collective effort in achieving success in football, rather than relying solely on individual brilliance.
Manchester City's shaky start to the season sees them having lost two of their first three games – a situation they haven't faced since the 2004-05 season. That year, they narrowly missed out on European football on the final day, drawing 1-1 with Middlesbrough in a memorable match where goalkeeper David James played as a makeshift striker. The current situation presents a challenge for Pep Guardiola and his team, as they aim to recover and regain their dominant form.
Historically, only Manchester United, in the 1992-93 season, have managed to recover from such a poor start to win the Premier League title. City’s next challenge comes against their rivals Manchester United on September 14, a game that will be crucial in setting the tone for their season. The match will be a significant test of their resilience and ability to bounce back from recent setbacks.
The defeat against Brighton has raised questions about City's squad depth and ability to adapt to tactical changes from their opponents. With key players returning from injury and new signings settling into the team, Guardiola will be looking to find the right balance and strategy to turn their season around. The upcoming game against Manchester United will provide an opportunity to showcase their determination and ability to compete at the highest level.
City's supporters will be hoping that the team can put their recent struggles behind them and embark on a winning run. The Premier League is a marathon, not a sprint, and there is still plenty of time for City to turn their fortunes around. However, they will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to create more scoring opportunities if they are to challenge for the title.