Throughout his stellar coaching career, Pep Guardiola has inspired some of the finest football in the 21st century.
The slick, quick-tempo passing that draws defenders out of position and the glut of goals his teams have scored are why he is regarded as one of the best managers in history.
One aspect that he has been a source of criticism is the perceived defensive weakness of his teams, who don't concede often but have generally been perceived as sides that give the opposition a chance.
However, in particular the last 18 months, Manchester City’s defensive work has been brilliant. One of the most instrumental players in this defensive improvement is holding midfielder Rodri.
In the latest City is Ours Facebook live, regulars Alex Brotherton and Dom Farrell were accompanied by former City favourite Nedum Onuoha to discuss the defensive transformation at the Etihad Stadium.
DF : “One of the more unsung heroes of Manchester City, until the closing minutes at Anfield, was Rodri. That block against Liverpool was phenomenal. Those things don’t happen in isolation, defensive moments like that. This City side, probably for the first time under Pep, have a proper thirst for the dirty work, the nitty-gritty stuff of defending.”
NO : “As a defender I always used to say that a game can be made by the attackers, not necessarily how they attack, but how they defend. We saw against Chelsea and PSG, the attackers defended really well from the front. It means the quality into the strikers for the opposition will never be as good as it would be if they were unopposed.
“All of City’s front line are pressing, the midfield are pressing and the defence is aggressive. In really good defensive teams it's a team effort makes you great.
“With this City team, you can really see they enjoy defending together. That’s something they take pride in, whether it’s the left-winger or the centre-back- it’s all a collective.
“Especially off the back of last season. They won the league and scored a tonne of goals, but the change happened when defensively they got stronger.
“The thing that's impressed me the most since I've been back in England is there is no clear weak link in the City side. They’re very complete and the completeness comes down to defending."
While acknowledging City's collective endeavours, it was only right to single Rodri out for special praise after his game-saving intervention. Onuoha likened the Spain international's calm assurance to an esteemed former teammate.
NO : “In that moment with Rodri, even when you watch it back knowing what’s going to happen, it still feels like Fabinho is going to score! The fact Rodri did that shows City are all doing their jobs well and covering each other.
“With Rodri, he always wants the ball. He is like a Gareth Barry. Playing with Gareth was a real privilege because he was always in the right spot. When he was on the ball he would always make the right decision.
“Him and Rodri are both very good at reading the game and when you have that trust with someone on the pitch who is at the heart of things, what more could you ask for?”
Do you think City’s defensive side has improved recently? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Follow our City Is Ours team Dom Farrell and Alex Brotherton on Twitter, along with Nedum Onuoha, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
