Guardiola backs Rodri to bring home the Ballon d’Or: ‘He deserves it’

Pep Guardiola believes that Rodri has a genuine chance of winning the Ballon d’Or.

The Spanish midfielder was integral to Manchester City’s Premier League title-winning campaign last season, not to mention Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, recording a 74-game personal unbeaten streak in doing so.

“I have said many times, [Rodri] has the intention of being there, and we at the club, individually and collectively, have done a good season,” said Guardiola.

“There are lots of good teams with good players also, so hopefully it happens but it is not in my hands. He deserves it, but I guess others deserve it too. The people vote, Rodri has had many seasons where he was really good in the Premier League and the Euros, winning with Spain, but there are other players who did a good season.

“I would love to have a player win [the Ballon d’Or]. For the players it means a lot, so I would love it.”

Guardiola does not just have a lot of love for Rodri, also going on to laud the professionalism of the newly resigned Ilkay Gundogan, who has quickly resettled in the squad after spending last season at Barcelona.

“He needs one minute, no more than that to settle. He is a good player, top class player. He knows what we are here to do, what we need.”

Guardiola also admitted he does not expect any more signings at the club before the transfer deadline.

Julian Alvarez departed Manchester City this summer for Atletico Madrid but the City boss maintains that his squad has all the requisite qualities to mount another title charge.

He said: “I am happy with the squad. We didn’t expect Julian Alvarez to leave, but he has had conversations a long time ago with his agent and with the club, so it could happen.

“I like not to work with a [large] squad, I don’t like to leave a lot of players not playing for a long time. I like the feel when everyone is involved with a chance to play, and the performance is better. I know the group, I know how serious and professional they are, and it is time to go. In winter we have another chance.”

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