Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca says “anything can happen” regarding Rodri’s future, while insisting his focus is on Sunday’s Community Shield final against Arsenal.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca remained tight-lipped about Rodri’s future on Friday amid speculation linking the Spain midfielder with a move to Barcelona, saying “anything can happen” before the transfer window closes.
The uncertainty comes a day after an apparent picture of Rodri travelling on a budget Ryanair flight from Madrid to Liverpool went viral on social media. The former Ballon d’Or winner was reportedly seen carrying a small suitcase featuring his name, Spain’s national team flag and his squad number.
“First of all, we already said the transfer window is open. We can buy and sell players, and anything can happen,” Maresca told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Premier League champions Arsenal in Cardiff.
“I’ve just seen Rodri now in the building. I gave him a big hug, he looks good, so we’ll see what happens.”
Maresca also confirmed that the World Cup winner is fit to return to training after undergoing back surgery at the end of July.
Asked about reports that Chelsea had set a Friday deadline for bids for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, and whether that meant City could be involved in transfer activity over the next 24 hours, Maresca smiled and said City would not make any new signings on Friday.
While speculation over Rodri — a key figure in City’s success in recent seasons — has dominated the headlines, Maresca insisted his attention was firmly on Sunday’s match rather than the transfer market.
“For sure there are things we need to do. For now, how many, I don’t know. It can be one, it can be two players. It also depends if players are going to leave. It depends,” he said.
“Right now, 48 hours before a final, my first one at this club, my focus is not on players leaving or arriving. It’s about how we can prepare in the best possible way for the game and try to win the final.”
The Italian also dismissed any suggestion that the Community Shield, which pits the Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners, should be viewed as little more than a pre-season friendly. He stressed that City are determined to begin the season with silverware.
“For me personally, it’s a trophy. And when the trophy is there, when the final is there, you always try to win the game,” Maresca said.
“So, no friendly at all. It’s a trophy that we’re going to try our best to win, to win the first trophy.”
Maresca is seeking his first trophy as City manager after taking charge following Pep Guardiola’s departure at the end of last season.