Manchester City star reveals gruelling European Championship recovery schedule

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has discussed his recovery schedule for Spain during the European Championship.

The 28-year-old played 50 matches for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City during the recent 2023/24 campaign, and is preparing to make his fourth start of the European Championship on Friday in a crunch quarter-final clash.

Spain face host nation Germany in a huge last-eight fixture at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on Friday evening, with Rodri having helped Spain to the quarter-final stages with an equalising goal against Georgia in the last-16 on Sunday.

Spain, who have already beaten Italy and Croatia during their European Championship campaign, have conceded just one goal across their last four matches, and came from behind to thump Georgia 4-1 last weekend with three quick-fire goals.

Rodri is integral to club and country, but was suspended for Spain’s match against Albania last month after accumulating two yellow cards in two matches.

The midfielder has made 50 or more appearances in four of the last five seasons for Manchester City, and was directly involved in 23 goals for the Sky Blues during the recent campaign.

Rodri, who’s goal won Manchester City a maiden UEFA Champions League in 2023, helped propel the Blues to a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title in May, scoring against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium.

Ahead of Friday’s Euro quarter-final, the 28-year-old has provided insight into his recovery during the tournament.

“We have golf courses, a pretty cool spa area. The truth is that I spend all day trying to recover if I’m honest. From game to game. And then I spend a lot of time with Vivian playing darts,” said Rodri.

“I highlight the calm and tranquility that he transmits to the player and the freedom. He is a coach who is very clear about how he wants to play, and who communicates very well what he wants. Then that is reflected on the field.”

Rodri and Spain would face either Turkey or Holland in the semi-finals of the European Championship next Tuesday, should they successfully overcome Germany on Friday.