Manchester City midfielder Rodri has delivered a stark assessment of his side’s form after their 2–1 defeat at Brighton, admitting the champions are “not at the level” required to compete.
The result means Pep Guardiola’s side have now lost two of their opening three Premier League games, sparking early questions over whether City’s aura of dominance is beginning to fade.
Rodri: “Some of the mistakes we are doing are kids mistakes, you are not concentrating and paying attention…” pic.twitter.com/u7Z961r2yT
— City Report (@cityreport_) August 31, 2025
“This is Our Reality”
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Rodri was blunt in his evaluation:
“Disappointed because we are Manchester City and we come here to win, but this is the reality. We are not at the level for a long, long time. The only way to come back is to look to ourselves. We started well but the second half we dropped a little bit. Then at home they have pressure and we make two mistakes and it’s 2-1.”
He pointed to the squad changes over the summer and the challenges of adaptation as a key factor:
“It is a matter of the team and the changes, new players have to adapt, and of course when you change the team that much it is difficult. This is our reality, it is not for excuses and we have to see this is not the way to achieve things. Let’s go to the break and refresh the mind.”
“Kids’ Mistakes”
Rodri was also critical of the manner in which City conceded both goals, highlighting lapses in concentration.
“I do think that we had control of the game and we were not our best. We did not create our best match but today we should win because we concede two big mistakes and counter attacks. Some of the mistakes we are doing are kids’ mistakes, you are not concentrating and paying attention. The reality is that we have to raise the level if we want to compete.”
Pressure on Guardiola
The defeat comes amid growing scrutiny on Pep Guardiola’s side. After years of near-total dominance, City’s sluggish start to the campaign has raised questions about whether their period of control is finally under threat.
With a Manchester derby against United and a Champions League clash with Napoli looming, the champions will need to find answers quickly.
Rodri’s message was clear: the international break offers a chance to reset — but City will need to raise their level fast if they are to stay in the hunt.
