Having already lifted the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in this campaign, we are still in the hunt for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
We’re aiming to defend all three trophies won during last year’s historic campaign, while another Premier League success would be a record fourth in a row.
Ahead of this Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal, the Spanish midfielder has called on supporters to make as much noise as possible in the remaining home matches this term.
CITY V ARSENAL | MATCH PREVIEW
“The target for us is to put ourselves into a position where we can fight until the end, and this is something we have been working on and to arrive in this moment,” he said.
“Now is the moment that we have to do the last push. The goal is to fight for everything. To do that we’ll need our people with us: we’re very strong at home with our fans. We need to feel that heat that they bring.
“Our objective is basically this: if we were able to show that we could win everything we won last season, then why can’t we do it again? Of course, it’s incredibly hard to do, the world of football if very difficult, but we’ll take it step by step.
“The most important thing is that we’ve reached this part of the season still in every competition, which is exactly the position we wanted to be in.”
With 10 games left to play, the top three in the Premier League are separated by just one point.
City are currently third, with 63 points, while Arsenal and Liverpool both have 64.
Rodrigo knows just how important a victory over Mikel Arteta’s title challengers could be in terms of laying a marker for the rest of the season.
Having already won three league titles in just four full seasons at the Club, the midfielder is also well aware of what’s required to get over the line when the margins are so tight.
“I’m not saying it’s going to be decisive, but it will be very important for our confidence, and we will show them that we are here again,” he said about the prospect of beating Arsenal.
“It’s not just this game that’s like a final, it’s all of them from now until the end of the season. We’re still in every competition, but any game that you lose can practically leave you out of the running.
“Really that’s the level that this league demands from you, to reach between 90 and 100 points to be able to win the league. So, we have to win practically every game and that starts against Arsenal, who are currently the league leaders.”
Rodrigo has not lost in his last 62 City appearances, with the February 2023 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur the last time he came out on the wrong side while wearing our colours.
It’s a record that proves just how pivotal the No.16 is to everything that Guardiola has achieved in recent seasons and why he’s considered by many to be the best midfielder in the world.
While he’s proud of the achievement, the Spaniard is quick to pass on the praise to his peers.
“It’s a consequence of how good the team is. It’s remarkable. I’m very happy about it but only if it is transforming into titles – this is the only target I have,” he said.
“It’s true that when you are at a club like Manchester City, we’ve been able to show that this team can win 15, 20 games in a row.
“Of course, we’re talking about a unique club in the world that can put this type of run together of so many games without losing.
“On an individual level, I’m so happy and proud of the team and that your importance in the team is reflected in the results.
“It’s something that we joke about when I’m with family or friends, but my biggest wish is that this translates into titles at the end of the season.”
CITY V ARSENAL APP COVERAGE
Our official app allows you to follow every action from the big game.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 14:30 (UK).
We will special guests on the broadcast, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [available on CITY+] will be available from midnight.
