Rodri: United Were Sharper, But City Will Fight to the Bitter End
Manchester City midfielder Rodri offered a candid assessment following his side’s Derby day defeat, admitting that Manchester United simply outworked the reigning champions at Old Trafford.
City fell to a 2-0 defeat against their cross-town rivals on Saturday, a result that leaves them trailing in the wake of the Premier League leaders as the title race enters its crucial stages.
“They Had That Extra Edge”
Speaking in the post-match mixed zone, the Spaniard was quick to credit the opposition’s intensity. “It was an incredibly tough afternoon. We gave everything we had, but you have to be honest—sometimes the opponent is just better on the day. They looked sharper and more energetic than us.”
Rodri noted that the “desire” factor played a massive role in the outcome. “They seemed to have that extra edge in terms of hunger today. We didn’t lose our identity; we kept trying to play our game, but they caught us cold on the counter-attack twice, and that was the difference.”
Learning from the Setback
Despite the blow to their title aspirations, Rodri urged his teammates to maintain perspective. “That’s football. You have to take these losses on the chin, learn from the mistakes, and move forward immediately.”
“We have dropped too many points in recent weeks, but we are still right in the mix,” he insisted. “We are at the top end of the table for a reason, and we will fight for this title until the very last whistle of the season.”
Integrating Youth and Personal Fitness
The midfielder also touched upon the younger profiles currently being integrated into Pep Guardiola’s squad. “The young lads are performing brilliantly. Naturally, they might lack experience in high-pressure games like a Derby, but it’s our job to guide them. They are going to be vital for the future of this club.”
On a personal note, having recently returned to full fitness, Rodri sounded a positive note regarding his own form: “I feel 100% and I’m delighted to be back out there. I’m feeling stronger with every passing day, and my only focus is helping the team get back on track in any way I can.”
