Rodri on how Man City won the title last year, who he expects to be their biggest challengers – and why Phil Foden could become ‘one of the greatest’ English players of all time

Rodri insists that he expects Arsenal to push Manchester City for the Premier League title again this season.

Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport at the PFA Awards, the Manchester City midfielder said: ‘We know the standards of our team but we know the level of the league and the competition. 

‘Last season, we were champions because of small details, and we know that we have to be even better to win it again because the other teams are always raising their levels.’

Asked about Arsenal’s chances, having come second in the last two seasons to Man City, Rodri admitted that he reckons they will be pushed to the limit again by Mikel Arteta’s side.

‘They (Arsenal) have done great,’ he said. ‘I would say they’re at the same level as us and for sure, they’re going to be there.

The midfielder helped Man City to their fourth consecutive Premier League title last year

But he insists that Arsenal will push City all the way in the title race for a third year running

‘They’ve shown their character and that they can fight until the end. We expect the same team – a team that can win 20 games in a row so we will have to push ourselves to our limits again if we want to win the title,’ Rodri added.

Pep Guardiola’s side started their league campaign with victory at Chelsea on Sunday but Rodri was absent, having only returned to training last Wednesday after winning the Euros with Spain. 

The 28-year-old was injured in the final against England and is expected to return to first-team action next month.

‘Like always, we take it easy at the beginning. We’ve started well but this season is going to be so long so it’s all about creating that culture of winning,’ he said. It’s a matter of self-motivation for me and trying to be better every day. I always have the feeling that I can improve and this is my mentality.’

His Man City teammate Phil Foden was crowned the PFA Players’ Player of the Year at the ceremony on Tuesday in Manchester and Rodri, who was named in the Team of the Year alongside Foden, hailed him as one of the greats of English football. 

Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland were Man City’s other inclusions in a team that was voted for by the players based on performances last season and included five Arsenal players.

City trio Phil Foden, who won PFA Men’s Players’ Player of the Year, Kyle Walker, and Erling Haaland also made the PFA Premier League Team of the Year

Rodri, 28, attented the awards at the Manchester Opera House with his girlfriend Laura 

‘For me, Phil is a special talent,’ said Rodri. ‘He has everything to be one of the greatest footballers this country has given to the game. 

‘I’m so proud and so happy of what he’s achieved because he really put the team on his shoulders in many moments last season.’