Man City come up with alternative solution to manage Rodri request

Rodri has adapted his way of playing this season to try and look after himself better in an exhausting schedule.

Pep Guardiola's midfield superstar played more games than any of his teammates last season to help them win an incredible Treble, but spoke to coaches in the summer about the need to rest more. As far as Rodri was concerned, to continue playing as much as he was would risk him enjoying a shorter career than he would like.

Rodri has featured less this season, although that has largely been down to missing four games through suspension. Phil Foden and Kyle Walker are the only two at City to have played more than him, and after passing the 3,500 minute mark in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle the Spaniard could yet surpass his total from last year.

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City are giving Rodri the odd game off - he didn't start the FA Cup wins over Huddersfield and Luton - but there is still a reluctance to leave him out because there is nobody in the squad, and quite possibly any other squad, that can bring the level of performance he does. With that in mind, there has been a new focus this season on working out how Rodri can rest more in games even when he is playing.

"To be honest, I’ve tried to take care of my body a little bit more. I spoke with the team in this sense and I think I have rested a little bit more," he sad. "Let’s say it like this. It’s not only just resting. It’s a bit how you play also.

"Maybe in the games you are 3-0, 4-0, not giving everything and try to sustain your body until the end of the season. This is something I’ve been working on this year. I need