Rodrygo: "The game against City was the most special night of my career and I hope that happens again"
"We have to take that mentality from last season to get a good result," added the forward.
Rodrygo spoke to the media in the Etihad Stadium press room and discussed the Champions League tie against Manchester City (Tuesday, 9 pm CET): “It's always very difficult to play them here in the first game because they put us under a lot of pressure at the start. We have to take that mentality from last season to get a good result and that will be decisive.”
“Almost every team that comes here struggles. Because of their characteristics, they're a team that has more of the ball, but we'll try to keep it too with the quality we have. I'll try to do my job defending and attacking. I'm ready to do whatever the coach asks me to do.”
Defensive effort
“Ancelotti spoke to us and we understand our importance in the team. If those at the back see that we run hard and defend well, it spreads to the team. The coach spoke to us, it showed in the second half of the derby and that's the way forward for the rest of the season.”
An unforgettable night against Manchester City
“Two or three days ago, I discussed it with Valverde in the dressing room and I told him about my brace against Manchester City. I asked him if we were going to repeat a night like that. It's the most special night of my career and I hope it happens again.”
Help from Ancelotti
“He always helps me, it's a pleasure to work with him because he helps me to improve and to help the team. I try to perform at my best every day and I don't stop working. That's my secret and Ancelotti is also helping a lot.”
Offers
“I don't know much about offers because that's my father's thing. I appreciate that there is interest from other teams, but I'm very happy and I want to play here for many years to come. Playing in this shirt in the Champions League is very special and it'll be the same tomorrow.”
Playing on the left
“We did it here last season, but now it's a different situation for both teams. That's a question for the coach.”
Versatility on both wings
“I have to keep doing my job whether it's on the left or on the right. Since I was a kid I started on the left and it's natural for me to play better in this position. I also like playing on the right because I can help the team. The coach knows exactly where to position me on the pitch.”
Praise for Guardiola
“He's a great coach and it's very difficult to play against his teams. I hope everything goes well tomorrow.”
Being decisive in both games
“I scored several goals against them. I was happy in some ties and not so happy in others. It's always difficult to play against them, I'm in very good form and I think I can be decisive and help the team. I'm not only trying to be decisive against Manchester City, but also against other teams.”
Difficulty of the game
“I don't like playing against Manchester City so much. Nobody likes playing against City as much as playing against us. I was happy after many games against them and I hope tomorrow’s game will be one of them.”