Rodrigo: Guido De Pauw has our full support 

Men's Team

Pep Guardiola sends message of support to City fan attacked in Belgium

Positive messages have been pouring in for the 63-year-old member of the Blue Moon Belgium Supporters’ Club, who was attacked i following our Champions League victory over Club Brugge. 

Guido remains in a coma but in a stable condition and Rodrigo admitted he and the players were deeply shocked and saddened by the news. 

The midfielder expressed his concern, declaring the thoughts of the team are very much with Guido and his family. 

“It is terrifying news,” he said. “Violence is always not good news.  

“I think the responsibility we have now is that he supports us as a City fan all this time; now it is our turn to support him in this situation 

“We have no doubts about this. We are going to push with him and hopefully he can come back [to the Etihad] soon.” 

On the back of our midweek European victory in Belgium, City return to Premier League action on Saturday evening with a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion, as third and fourth place in the table lock horns. 

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Our last visit to the AMEX saw the Seagulls overturn a two-goal deficit to triumph 3-2 and Rodrigo has warned the visit could prove to be one of the champions’ most challenging tests this season. 

“I think it is going to be one of the toughest matches,” he stated. “We have seen the games that they have played and they are very similar to how we play. 

“They want the ball, they are physical, they want to do many touches with the ball, they have quality players, they understand the game, they have transitions, so it is going to be a tough game. 

“At their home, we don’t expect anything else, so we have to fight like always to have the three points.” 

Pep Guardiola’s men head into the clash unbeaten in the Premier League since the opening day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. 

Rodrigo added the side are in fine spirits and are starting to find their rhythm, improving game-by-game. 

“I think we are in a good way and a good mood right now,” he continued. 

“We are in a good moment and the team is starting to fit.  

“The beginning of the season is always difficult because we all need a little bit of time, but I think we are now in the right place to start growing and to start working on the same thing every game. 

“It is a good moment for us and the team is showing a step forward every game. We are improving every game and hopefully, it stays the same.” 

The defensive midfielder also reserved praise for summer recruit Jack Grealish, who Rodrigo believes is settling nicely into the squad and adapting well into City life. 

“I think he is doing amazing,” he hailed. “Jack is doing great and he has fit very well into the team, changing many things of his game because always when you arrive into a different squad you have to adapt yourself. 

“He is understanding where he can be a key player. He is a great player and he can be great for us.”