Pep Guardiola thinks Rodri will stay at Man City but accepts lure of Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola believes Rodri will sign a new contract at Manchester City but will not stand in his way if Real Madrid come calling.

City midfielder Rodri, whose contract expires at the end of next season, said last week “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” when asked about the prospect of joining the Spanish giants.

It has since been reported that City have offered the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner a new deal and Guardiola is hopeful he will accept, but concedes it is not certain.

Asked if he expects the 29-year-old to stay, the City manager said: “I think so. Always I had the positive (feeling) with that but I don’t know.

“I know what the club wants. They informed me what they want from Rodri – it is to stay.

“Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club. He’s an incredible player.”

He added: “There is no player that will turn down the chance to play for Madrid, I understand completely. He was born in Spain.

“If one player is not happy they have to leave. I think he is happy but if he is not happy just knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality and after that he belongs only to himself.”

Guardiola has challenged Phil Foden to get back to his best after two underwhelming performances in England’s latest friendlies led national team manager Thomas Tuchel to suggest his World Cup place was in jeopardy.

That comes after a loss of form at club level with Guardiola only starting the midfielder in eight of City’s last 20 games.

Guardiola said: “Sometimes you do have to react, you have to be stronger. It is up to him, as quickly as possible he has to realise, ‘I have to do better’.

“But we come back to the talent and the talent is there. Sometimes you can drop a little bit and he’s aware of that so OK, take it like a challenge. I know Phil perfectly and what he’s capable of.

“I’m pretty sure he would love to go with England. These opportunities cannot be missed. If you have an opportunity, play as good as possible to be selected because it’s only once every four years.”

Guardiola has returned from the international break looking tanned and refreshed.

City host Liverpool in the FA Cup on Saturday bidding to reach the semi-finals for a record-extending eighth season in succession.

City have also played in the last three finals and Guardiola is well aware of the impact he has made in the competition, even though he has only collected the trophy twice.

He said: “It’s unbelievable. I don’t know if one team has been to seven semi-finals in a row in this competition, the FA Cup.

“I know (I won) four Carabao Cups in a row, four Premier Leagues in a row. I’m sorry, I’m so proud.

“I don’t need to finish and go to the Maldives, underneath the coconuts, to realise how incredible it is. I’m sorry, it’s incredible.”