New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is not concerned about speculation linking midfielder Rodri with Real Madrid.
Rodri continues to be linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, despite Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly being concerned by injury issues around the 30-year-old. Coach Jose Mourinho is also said to want a different profile of player in his midfield.
Rodri, who won the Golden Ball for his performances in helping Spain win the World Cup for the second time, is set to undergo surgery on a back problem.
No timetable has been set for his return, but Maresca’s only focus regarding the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is rehabilitation.
“First of all, we have to say that around big players there is always speculation,” Maresca told his first press conference as City boss.
“So I’m not worried about that, it’s normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup – he is one of the best players.
“I think every manager wants to have Rodri, because he’s a top player.
“But now, surgery [on a back problem] on Monday, and then he needs holiday, he needs to rest, recovery, and then he will be back here with us.”
One player who looks set to leave City is goalkeeper James Trafford, who re-joined the club last year but was left frustrated at finding himself second choice after the club then signed Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Leeds United are the favourites for the England goalkeeper’s signature, with long-term admirers Newcastle United having cooled their interest.
Maresca strikes similar tone on Trafford and Grealish
“I know James because he was my keeper when I was with the Under-23s, so I know James very good,” Maresca added.
“But again, when the transfer window is open, now or in January, anything can happen. So we’ll see, but at the moment he’s one of our keepers.”
Maresca struck a similar note when asked about Jack Grealish, whose future is up in the air after spending last season on loan at Everton.
“At the moment he’s here! Here’s a Man City player,” Maresca said. “I always say the same, in any club I’ve joined, if there are players that belong to the club, it’s my duty to try to coach them.
“Jack, at the moment, is here, I’ve had a good relationship with Jack since I left, we’ve kept in touch. And the reason why is because he has a big heart, and he’s a very good guy. And we’ll see what happens.”
Maresca has huge shoes to fill in replacing Guardiola, who won 20 trophies across his 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.
The Italian is widely regarded as the Spaniard’s natural successor, having previously worked at City as coach of their Elite Development Squad and then as an assistant to Guardiola following a failed spell as Parma boss.
Of the challenge in succeeding his former boss, the ex-Chelsea coach said: “First of all, I’d like to say its a privilege – the reason why, the club decided to go for me, that means for me its a privilege.
“I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20, 25 years. It’s a challenge, it’s nice, a privilege. Also, the history of managers with many years in the same club, after always you struggle a little; Sir Alex [Ferguson], Arsene [Wenger]. But also it’s a challenge to try and do the right things immediately for this organisation, the fans, everyone.”
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