Maresca: Rodri to Undergo Back Surgery on Monday

New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, whose side finished as runners-up in the English Premier League, confirmed on Friday that Spanish midfielder Rodri, crowned world champion last Sunday, will undergo back surgery on Monday.

In his first press conference as City manager, replacing Spaniard Pep Guardiola, Maresca confirmed what the British press had reported: 'As you said, he will undergo surgery on Monday. He needs a break, rest, and a good recovery, and then he will return to us.'

When asked about rumours of a potential move by the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner and best player of the 2026 World Cup to Real Madrid, the former Chelsea manager described such news as mere 'speculation.'

He added, 'We have to admit that rumours always surround big players. I am not worried about that. I think it's completely normal.'

Maresca continued, a day after English midfielder Elliot Anderson completed his move to City from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £116 million ($154 million): 'Spain won the World Cup, and Rodri was the best player in the tournament, or one of the best. I think all managers would want to have Rodri in their teams because he is a great player.'

According to several Spanish media outlets, the Spain captain wants to join Real Madrid, which has made the 30-year-old midfielder its priority to strengthen its midfield. Rodri had confirmed, when asked before the 2026 World Cup about this possibility, that his previous stint at Atletico Madrid, the traditional rival of the royal club, does not prevent him from wearing the Real Madrid shirt in the future.

Maresca spoke about succeeding Guardiola, calling it a 'privilege.'

Maresca was appointed as Guardiola's successor after the Catalan manager stepped down at the end of last season, following a highly successful ten-year stint at the Etihad Stadium in which he won 20 titles.

He said, 'I've said many times that I consider Pep probably the best manager in the world over the past 20 or 25 years. But again, it's a challenge. It's wonderful. It's a privilege.'

Many clubs have struggled after the departure of managers who achieved sustained success and numerous titles, with both Manchester United and Arsenal declining following the departures of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger respectively.

Maresca said: 'History shows that whoever succeeds a manager who spent many years at the club always faces some difficulties, as happened after Sir Alex and after Arsène. It is a challenge of trying to do the right things immediately for this institution, for the fans, and for everyone.'

Maresca (46) is entering his third spell at Manchester City, having previously overseen the club's elite development squad and worked as Guardiola's assistant during the historic treble season of 2022-2023. He believes the strong foundations within the club will help him build on the successes achieved under Guardiola.

He added, 'I think the institution is the most important factor. This club, this institution, has had only three managers in 17 years. That is unusual and doesn't happen often, so that is probably one of the reasons why I am confident we can do a great job.'

Chelsea were unhappy with the way Maresca left Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day amid speculation linking him to the City job. But Maresca said with a smile on Friday: 'I feel very lucky regarding my previous clubs, Leicester City and Chelsea. I think we did a great job.'

He added, 'At both clubs, the team identity was clear, and the team's success was also clear, and I am very grateful to have been part of those two clubs, but now we are here. That is the most important thing. All that matters is Manchester City. I have nothing more to add.'