Pep Guardiola is the most influential coach of my career: Rodri

Rodri is currently serving match ban

In a recent interview, Rodri said that playing for Pep Guardiola has taken him to a "level he didn't know he could reach" and that he has discovered football to be "easier."

Following his arrival at Manchester City in 2019, the midfielder has served as a cornerstone for his Catalan manager, but the 27-year-old has remained at the pinnacle of his abilities over the past two seasons.

The Spain captain was a key contributor to the English champions' unprecedented treble at the conclusion of the previous campaign. He also had a standout performance in the Champions League final, where he scored the game-winning goal against Inter Milan in Istanbul and was later voted Player of the Tournament.

Rodri's continued value to Guardiola's team has increased recently, especially when he was given a three-match suspension for receiving a red card against Nottingham Forest.

Without the midfield dynamo, Man City has lost all three of their domestic games, falling to Wolves and Arsenal in the Premier League and succumbing to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

However, Rodri was quick to emphasise in his interview with El Partidazo de Cope that Guardiola had given him exactly the same in return.

'He is the most influential coach of my career,' Rodri said of the former Barcelona boss. 'He has elevated me to a level I didn't know he could reach. 

'When you get used to being with him, I say "why don't they (the opposition) do this", I see everything easier. He gives you a toolbox and you have more tools than the rest. 

'I highlight the ability that one has to make better use of spaces by moving less. There are few players he hasn't taken to the top.'