Jack Rodwell insists Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City revolution will take time to implement – but knows the Blues are onto a winner with the Chilean.
The 59-year-old took over at the former Premier League champions from Italian Roberto Mancini, who was sacked after a trophyless campaign last season.
And Rodwell – a £12million signing from Everton – believes Pellegrini’s style is taking some getting used to, but feels his credentials proves his class.
“He’s done a great job at the clubs he’s been at, especially at Villarreal and taking Malaga to the Champions League. He’s done well,” he told City’s official website.
“It’s going to take time to get used to his style of play because he’s got a certain way he likes us to play.
“It’s early and the boss hasn’t gone into too much detail. He’s just gradually drip-feeding us at the moment.
“Tactically, he likes us to press high up and press in numbers, get the ball back as soon as possible and then play simple football, keep possession until we’re in the final third and then see what happens.”
Rodwell made only 15 appearances and scored twice in an injury-hit debut season at the Etihad Stadium last campaign.
But with a new boss and new training regime, the Southport-born midfielder hopes Pellegrini’s approach will have City fit and firing for the new season.
“The training is a little bit brutal,” he explained. “Last season I didn’t do pre-season with City so I’m not too sure how different this year is from last.
“I can only judge from what I’ve seen so far and the manager makes us work hard, which is probably what we need.”
Image courtesy of thefootballdaily, via YouTube, with thanks.
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