Guardiola: Rodri's season is over, and we are ready to fight tomorrow

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola appeared in a press conference to talk about facing Newcastle, in the sixth round of the English Premier League.

The coach said: “Rodri will undergo surgery this time.” Morning, next season will be here. Unfortunately, this season has ended, but these things happen, and we will be there to support him in his recovery, step by step.

He continued: “What. Rodri brings him to us, we don't have a similar player. But others can all make up for what Rodri has done since arriving with us. We will have to do it as a team and find a way to play a lot of matches without an important player for us.”

Guardiola continued: “If we do not win, they will say because of Rodri, and if we win... They will say they win without Rodry, we are stronger with him and stronger with Ake, Bob and Kevin but that is the case. We don't want that, but it's football. As a club we have great players and we will find a solution."

On whether the club will have to sign a replacement for Rodri in January: "We will talk and see what happens. It is happening. We have time to see...”

He continued: “Who can replace Rodri? Mateo Kovacic who played the first four games while Rodri was out, and I have a few others, Ilkay Gundogan can play in that position, John Stones as well. We have alternatives.”

He concluded: “Kevin De Bruyne will miss tomorrow’s match, and may not be available before the next international break.”

He concluded: “Newcastle is still that strong and solid team, especially when you face them at their home stadium, because of the atmosphere created by their fans. We will be ready to fight  in tomorrow’s match.”