Give it a rest! Guardiola not showing much sympathy over 'tired players'

PEP Guardiola will accept Rodri's call for a rest in the coming weeks - but he didn't have much sympathy for his midfielder ahead of City's clash with Luton.

- JOE BRAY

Rodri has not lost when representing City in 66 games but raised eyebrows after the Blues' draw in Madrid when he told reporters he needs a rest after playing so much. His performances have admittedly dropped in the last few outings, and Guardiola reacted to the comments by telling his number 16 that he can have a rest if he asks for it.

"I didn't speak with him but if he needs a rest he will have rest. Or no. I don't know," he said. "More than the physicality, it is a case of spending mental energy.

"Playing every days, three three days. Of course he's tired, playing a lot of minutes.