PA Media/DPA
Madrid
Rodri admits he needs a break amid the intensity of Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of an unprecedented second successive treble.
The Spain international, who has not lost any of his last 66 games for club and country in a run stretching back more than a year, is vital to City’s bid to make history.
Yet Pep Guardiola’s influential midfield driving force looked laboured at times in Tuesday’s thrilling 3-3 Champions League draw at Real Madrid and concedes the schedule is taking its toll.
The 27-year-old said: “Every one of us can do better, even myself, but we need to rest to be honest. “I do. I do need a rest. Let’s see how we speak, how we live the situation. Sometimes it is what it is.
“I need to adjust. It (rest) is something we are planning, yes.”
Guardiola could therefore make some changes for Saturday’s Premier League encounter with relegation-threatened Luton, as he looks ahead to the return clash with Real next Wednesday.
Yet with just a point separating the top three in the domestic competition, there is little margin for error for third-placed City.
Rodri felt the holders showed their mettle as they recovered from a 2-1 half-time deficit to lead on an enthralling night at the Bernabeu Stadium.
Bernardo Silva’s early strike was wiped out by a Ruben Dias own goal and Rodrygo effort, but the English side responded with stunning strikes from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol.
Real, however, were able to have the final say as Federico Valverde volleyed a late equaliser to ensure the second leg of the quarter-final tie will begin evenly poised.
“We showed our mentality to come back, to be honest,” said Rodri.
“To go against them and come back with those goals sums up the mentality of the champions we are.”
