Pep Guardiola makes shocking comparison of Rodri with Basketball icon

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his respect for Michael Jordan, highlighting the former NBA star's significant influence on the Chicago Bulls as a powerful parallel to Manchester City's current challenges in the absence of key midfielder Rodri.

As the team gears up to compete against local rivals Manchester United this Sunday, there is a strong opportunity for City to regroup and secure a vital victory. After experiencing a tough stretch with seven losses in their last ten matches, including a recent 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League, a win could help restore confidence and momentum for Guardiola's squad.

Guardiola compares Rodri to Michael Jordan 

In a straightforward pre-match press conference, Guardiola expressed his clear frustrations regarding the congested football calendar, which he identified as a major factor behind his team's recent struggles.

He emphasised the challenges of competing without a fully fit squad, underscoring that stability is crucial for sustained success. The absence of Rodri has been particularly detrimental; he is set to miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season due to knee surgery. Guardiola asserted that Rodri's impact on the team is akin to that of a Ballon d'Or winner, highlighting how essential his presence is for success.

"It's not about the training sessions, the medical staff, the players' diets, or their recovery routines. The real issue lies with the schedule. That's the truth," he added.

"When we clinched the Treble or won four titles in a row, we had just one, two, or maybe three muscular injuries. We were in a much better place then," Pep said.

 "This is where the problem lies. We anticipated this from the start. We’re playing without the previous season’s best player in, a Ballon d'Or winner," Pep added.

"The Chicago Bulls won six NBA championships with Jordan at the helm, but how many titles have they claimed since his retirement? Once our key players return, I am confident we will regain our strength," Pep added.

Guardiola also highlighted the importance of observing extraordinary talent in sports, citing legends like Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic as prime examples. He actively makes it a priority to watch these exceptional athletes whenever the opportunity arises.