Manchester City’s Maresca remains noncommittal regarding Rodri’s future as the Community Shield approaches
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca refrained from commenting on Rodri’s future on Friday, amidst rumors connecting the Spain midfielder to a transfer to Barcelona. He stated, “Anything can happen” before the transfer window closes.
The uncertainty arises following the viral spread of an image showing Rodri on a budget Ryanair flight from Madrid to Liverpool. The former Ballon d’Or winner carried a small suitcase adorned with his name, national team flag, and squad number.
To begin with, we have already stated that the transfer window is open; we can buy and sell players, and anything is possible,” Maresca informed reporters prior to Sunday’s Community Shield match against Premier League champions Arsenal in Cardiff.
I just spotted Rodri in the building, gave him a big hug, and he looks great. We’ll see what unfolds.
Maresca confirmed that the World Cup winner is ready to return to training following back surgery at the end of July.
When asked about reports indicating that Chelsea had established a Friday deadline for bids concerning their Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez and whether this implied that City would engage in any transfer activities within the next 24 hours, Maresca smiled and confirmed that City would not be making any new signings on Friday.
While discussions about Rodri, a key player in City’s recent successes, possibly leaving the club have been prominent, Maresca emphasized that his focus was on Sunday’s match rather than the transfer window.
There are certainly tasks we need to accomplish. Currently, I am unsure of the quantity. It could be one player, or it could be two,” he stated. It also depends on whether players will be leaving. It depends.” At this moment, 48 hours before a final, my first with this club, my focus is not on players leaving or arriving; it’s solely on how we can prepare in the best way for the game and strive to win the final.
The Italian rejected any notion that the Community Shield, featuring the Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners, should be considered merely a glorified friendly. He emphasized that the city was resolute in their aim to kick off the season with silverware. “For me personally, it’s a trophy. “And when the trophy is there, the final is there, and you always try to win the game,” Maresca said. It seems quite unfriendly. It’s a trophy that we are determined to win, aiming for our first victory.
Maresca is pursuing his inaugural trophy as manager of City after assuming control following Pep Guardiola’s exit at the conclusion of last season.
