Guardiola on Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win and backlash over Vinicius Jr snub

Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City midfielder Rodri after he was named this year’s Ballon d’Or winner at the ceremony in Paris.

The decision was met with criticism from some quarters, however, including from Real Madrid players who thought Vinicius Jr should have won the biggest individual accolade in football, and Madrid opted not to send anyone to the awards ceremony.

Pep Guardiola has today weighed in, describing his pride at seeing Rodri win the award: “What can I say? First, to congratulate him and all his family and their friends, it’s incredible news for him and for all of us. All Manchester City, our fans, we are so proud of him. We could never have imagined this years ago, that a City player could receive this prestigious award.”

Guardiola also acknowledged that Vinicius would have been a worthy winner: “Should it be Vinicius? Maybe. It’s voted by journalists, you know, not an elite group of people who decide. It’s people all around the world that vote, not just one country. There are different opinions, and that’s what makes football nice.”

The other big news in the world of football yesterday was that Erik ten Hag was sacked as Manchester United manager, and Guardiola expressed his sympathy for the Dutchman: “I feel very sorry for him, it’s one of the best jobs in football.

“There’s only us, it’s not teachers or architects or something like that. I wish him all the best and he will come back stronger. If the results aren’t good enough, you get sacked. No-one is different, myself included.”

Manchester City face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup tomorrow evening, with Guardiola aiming to take his side to their fifth Carabao Cup crown under his leadership.