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According to a report by Metro Sport, on Thursday May 21, 2026, Rodri has criticised the congested fixture schedule, arguing that Manchester City were placed at a disadvantage in the closing stages of the Premier League title race after a demanding run of matches.
Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, a result that confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions with a game to spare.
Erling Haaland scored a stoppage-time equaliser to cancel out Junior Kroupi’s opener, but City were unable to complete the comeback.
The draw came just three days after City’s FA Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley, a schedule Rodri believes left his side physically drained compared with their opponents.
“When you play all the competitions, when you play after three days when these kind of teams [like Bournemouth] have ten days to rest, it’s a massive difference,” Rodri said.
“We all know this but it is what it is. We have to play with these rules, but at this level, having this amount of days makes the difference.”
He added that fatigue played a decisive role in City’s performance on the south coast.
“We lacked a little bit of energy [against Bournemouth] because we played a final two days ago,” he said.
“The Premier League didn’t want us to rest a little bit more, but at the end, congratulations to Arsenal, they were the better team and we will try again next season.”
Despite the disappointment, Rodri praised his teammates for their efforts across a demanding campaign that included multiple competitions and silverware.
“Of course we know that it is done,” he said. “I just want to thank all my team-mates. I think we were remarkable in the way we tried in a season of ups and downs. But in the end, we knew it was going to be difficult because it wasn’t in our hands.”
Reflecting on the broader picture, he added: “Heads up, stand up, and thanks to the supporters, everyone who supported us this year. City will be there trying again next season.”
