Rodrigo believes they can do better as a team against Bayern Munich

Rodrigo in action for Manchester City

Rodrigo believes they can do better as a team against Bayern Munich

Stephen Oladehinde 20:23 - 09.04.2023

Rodrigo is confident that City can build on their resounding 4-1 victory against Southampton going into our Champions League matchup with Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

On the south coast, Pep Guardiola's team turned up the style in the second half to secure a well-earned three points.

Even though City had significant stretches of possession and had a number of good chances, it still required a perfect cross into the box from Kevin De Bruyne and a decisive Erling Haaland header on the final play of the half for City to score.

A second goal for the Norwegian along with goals from Grealish and Alvarez helped the team conclude the game on a positive note as a result of this. The 100th Premier League assist for De Bruyne was also recorded.

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Rodrigo reflects on Manchester City Performance

Rodrigo thought City played well after the break, but he thinks there is still opportunity for development before Bayern Munich visits on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the win over Southampton, Rodrigo said: “We came here to win, and we won it. I think we struggled a little bit in the first half – the first 20 minutes weren’t very good.

“We struggled a little bit to find the spaces. The goal made us calm for the second half and gave us confidence and we played much better.

“It was important because we weren’t as strong and aggressive as we were in the second half. We were a bit slow and needed to move the ball quicker.

“Looking ahead to the Bayern game we have to start better and be more aggressive. We’re on a great run and we want to keep it going.”

Rodrigo wary of Bayern Munich

Manchester City hosts the Bundesliga champions on Tuesday 11 April, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 (UK). The Spanish midfielder knows that City will need to be at their best to begin the first of the two legs on the front foot. 

Rodri continued, “We look ahead with a lot of emotion and happiness to want to face them. A big, big rival in Europe and we will have to show the best of ourselves if we want to have a chance against them. We have to fix some things.”

Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, two of his teammates who are in excellent form going into the Champions League match, were another topic of discussion for Rodrigo. The City duo are both at the peak of their games at a key point in the season, which is good news for the Spanish international.

He said: “In terms of goals, he’s [Haaland] been a beast this season. He does a lot – we have pace and a lot of danger in the area. He’s a special guy.

“These kinds of players can make the difference at any time. He has the ability and talent to do this.”

“[Jack is] in a big moment right now. He’s making another step forward with assists and goals which is great for the team.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed defender Kyle Walker is out of the starting lineup because he cannot play in the current system. Weeks of speculation regarding Kyle Walker's growing absence from the Manchester City lineup has been explained by his manager, Pep Guardiola.