Manchester City head to Leicester for Saturday’s FA Community Shield match against Liverpool with the perpetual aim of going one better this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side go into the Community Shield, supported this year by England Football, as Premier League champions.
And midfielder Rodri has been speaking to the official matchday programme for the Shield about the Blues’ hopes and ambitions for the new term…
After winning the league again last year, how do you feel about this season?
We’re all looking forward to the new season. Last season was enjoyable for me. It was probably my best since joining this club and I want to continue that next year. I’ve had a good summer, pre-season has been going well, and now we are starting to feel ready for the new challenges ahead of us.
How do you stay motivated?
We want to win again. We want to win everything. When you play for this football club, that’s what you must aim for at the start of every season. The last two years have been great for us, but we want to keep pushing, keep fighting and try to improve every year. Trust me, it’s not easy, we know this season is going to be incredibly tough with so many top teams, but we will always fight for everything.
Games between City and Liverpool are always so fast-paced and tense. Do you enjoy them?
Yes, but they’re so demanding. They’re a top team and have great players in every position, like us. It’s so intense, whether it’s at the Etihad, Anfield, Wembley or any other stadium. The level is so high.
Is it important to lay down a marker and get a win today?
The Community Shield is always a great game. It was my first-ever competitive game for this club and we won against Liverpool at Wembley, so I hope history will repeat itself in Leicester. It will be a tough game, but we are excited to see our fans again and hopefully start the season with silverware.”
