Pep Guardiola was not impressed by suggestions that his Manchester City side were pegged back late on at Monaco in the Champions League due to the replacement of Rodri with Nico Gonzalez in midfield. The City boss defended the contribution Gonzalez made off the bench after coming on in the 61st minute, while he conceded that Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is not yet fit enough to play 90 minutes multiple times a week and "needs protecting" from recurring injury issues.

Rodri replaced as Man City drop points at Monaco

City led twice away at the Ligue 1 giants but were forced to settle for a point after Eric Dier equalised from the spot in the 90th minute. Gonzalez conceded the penalty for a high boot which caught the former Tottenham Hotspur man in the face, in what was certainly a moment of poor judgement by the midfielder.

Guardiola was quick to justify his decision to substitute Rodri, though, stating that the 29-year-old was not fit enough to see out the game and must be eased back into the demanding schedule required across multiple competitions for the Cityzens.

AdvertisementAFPGuardiola defends Gonzalez but makes concerning Rodri claim

Guardiola said: “Are you suggesting that they scored because Nico Gonzalez was on the pitch and not Rodri? How can you prove that?”

When asked if City can replace Rodri with just one man, Guardiola added: “We cannot play with 12. No, we cannot play with 12. I know Rodri is irreplaceable in many things. But Rodri could not play three days before because his knee was in a bad, bad condition. So, that’s why.

“So, in that moment, Nico Gonzalez, in the 30 minutes he played, was the player who recovered most balls in the transition of attack to defence. We conceded less transitions than with Rodri, who conceded more in the first half when he was playing.

“That is the reason why. I would love to tell you that ‘yes, because Rodri is not on the pitch, we concede the goal’. But I cannot prove that. Because if I had felt it, Rodri would have been on the pitch. But Rodri cannot play in certain moments, cannot play 90 minutes in many, many games. And Nico played really well against Burnley. Really, really good. He’s learning, he’s improving, and we need him.

“Because Kova [Mateo Kovacic] is not ready, and Rodri cannot sustain yet the rhythm for games, 90 minutes. He made an incredible effort in the week against United, Napoli and especially Arsenal in that way.

“I try to protect my players. Because look at what happened to Carvajal at [Real] Madrid, look what happens to players with many injuries, he’s injured again and again. So, sometimes I want the best players there, being fit, but they are still not. That’s why I have to protect the players.”

Rodri eased back in by Guardiola after extended injury lay-off

Rodri suffered an ACL injury against Arsenal over a year ago now, not making his return to first-team action until May. He has only made five starts in all competitions for his club since returning from the injury and has seen multiple minor setbacks since, including a knock picked up during the Club World Cup. His performances have yet to return to his imperious best, which is more than understandable.

Getting Rodri back to full fitness will be a priority for City in the coming months. But, as stressed by Guardiola, the midfielder must be protected, or else further injury problems may occur. In the meantime, the likes of Gonzalez must step up – as that is precisely what he is in the squad to do.

Getty Images SportThe pressure is on as Man City look to return to their best

The games will continue to come thick and fast for Man City, who face five matches in October across three different competitions. Their next Champions League trip to Villarreal is looking all the more important following their draw in Monaco.

Guardiola has never gone two consecutive seasons in his managerial career without winning a league title, never mind without winning a major trophy. The Sky Blues may still be recovering from their limited pre-season following their Club World Cup exploits, a problem which is currently being felt to the extreme by its winners, Chelsea.