Man City boss Pep Guardiola on possible Rodri return, Haaland not taking FA Cup final penalty and De Bruyne’s final home game | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says Man City midfielder Rodri is feeling “even better” ahead of two crucial games for his side as they look to secure Champions League qualification.

City take on Bournemouth on Tuesday following their FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

They currently sit sixth in the Premier League, one place and one point behind Aston Villa in the last remaining Champions League qualification spot but having played a game fewer than Unai Emery’s side.

Guardiola’s side then take on Fulham on the final day knowing four points from the final two games would likely guarantee them a place in next season’s competition because of their goal difference.

Ballon D’Or winner Rodri has not played for City since September after injuring his ACL, but Guardiola says he could return before the season ends.

On whether any of his injured players could return for the game against Bournemouth, Guardiola responded: “We will see. Some players are better. Rodri is even better day-by-day. We will see.”

Omar Marmoush missed a penalty for City as they were beaten 1-0 by Palace at Wembley but Guardiola says he has not spoken to his players about normal penalty taker Erling Haaland not stepping up.

“I didn’t talk with them, we trained this afternoon,” he said.

“No, it’s clear, it’s the taker’s task to score a goal.”

City’s clash with Bournemouth will also mark Kevin De Bruyne’s final home game for the club, with the Belgian midfielder set to leave when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

“We want to win the game so we can qualify for the Champions League next season – this is what Kevin wants, it couldn’t be otherwise,” he said.

“I am going to decide what is the best for us to win the game against Bournemouth, that is for sure.

“Kevin will get what he deserves, and what he deserves is the best moment and the best compliment for his incredible trajectory.

“What he has done along with some incredible other legends in this club will not be possible in the 10 to 15 years since Sheik Mansour took over the club and run this club to reach another level.”