Rodri warns Arsenal that they will ‘have to suffer a lot’ as he says mentality will be crucial when Manchester City host the Gunners on Sunday in a blockbuster Premier League tie.
Arsenal head into the weekend leading the Premier League table, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference and one point in front of their opponents on Sunday.
The meeting at the Etihad will play a significant role in the title race, and Rodri says the main challenge will be mental for the players involved.
He has urged his teammates to show why Manchester City are the champions and make Arsenal ‘endure a lot’ if they want to get anything out of them this weekend.
‘In terms of points, there’s still nine games so even if we draw or lose nothing is done but we know with the difference right now, we must win,’ Rodri told Sky Sports.
‘The most important thing will be the mental one, for us and for the opponent. To show them that we are here again and we beat you again and if you want to keep [ahead of] us in the title race you have to suffer a lot.
‘This is something that will be important. I encourage my team on Sunday to be completely focussed and know that if we beat them it will be hard for them and better for us in the title race.’
Pep Guardiola’s side have been hit with two injury problems over the international break and the City boss confirmed on Friday that both John Stones and Kyle Walker will miss the clash with Arsenal.
However, there is better news on goalkeeper Ederson who is likely to return from injury.
‘Ederson is much, much better. Kyle and John are out. It is what it is,’ Guardiola said.
Kevin De Bruyne is set to be involved, though, with the manager saying: ‘Kevin is really such an important player. It’s been a tough season for him with injuries, having a setback and being out for a long [time].
‘He trained well yesterday. We’ll see what we are going to do in the next days.’
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