Man City Midfielder Rodri Says Return Won't Reverse Team's Early Season Struggles

Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who recently returned from an extended injury layoff, emphasized that he cannot single-handedly restore the team's winning form, stating, "I'm not Messi" and highlighting the collective nature of football. Despite City's disappointing start to the Premier League season with losses to Tottenham and Brighton, Rodri stressed the need for the entire team to step up rather than relying on individual brilliance. His return was anticipated to bolster City's dominance, as the team went unbeaten in all 34 Premier League games he played during their previous title-winning campaign. Rodri acknowledged that he still needs to regain his best form after an ACL injury and a groin setback, and he expressed hope for improvement following the international break. The recent defeats have raised questions about City's ability to compete with rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal, but Rodri insisted the team will focus on hard work and collective effort. These comments underscore a period of transition and challenge for Manchester City as they seek to reclaim their former top position.