Rodri Opens Up On Added Competition Of Kalvin Phillips At Manchester City

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has welcomed the added competition for his role through the signing of Kalvin Phillips this summer.

The Spanish holding midfielder has been speaking after putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal with the Premier League champions.

Signing an extension at the Etihad Stadium, Rodri will now contracted in Sky Blue until at least 2027.

This summer, Manchester City added extra competition for the Spain international, through the signing of Leeds United and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Joining the club in an initial £42 million move from Elland Road, Phillips will be the direct replacement for Fernandinho - who left the club this summer, returning to his native Brazil to see out the remainder of his professional career.

However, the added competition for Rodri's place in Pep Guardiola's side was welcomed by the player, as he opened up on the addition of Phillips during a new interview.

"He is a great player,” Rodri said of his new Manchester City teammate.

“We saw that at Leeds. We need this kind of player because when Fernandinho left we need physical players who can play holding midfielder and in forward positions.

“We need this kind of player, so I think it is a great signing.

Rodri continued by telling the club's official website, “I think we have made four great signings.

"The team always tries to get better, and you need new players (to do that) of course."

Manchester City returned to the City Football Academy for the start of their pre-season training camp this week.

A total of 20 first-team players reported for duty on Monday, with a full list of those in attendance available here.

City are expected to fly to the United States on Saturday, as they embark on a short tour of the country where two pre-season fixtures also await Pep Guardiola and his players.

Club America are the first of two opponents, before Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich await City in their final pre-season match before the Community Shield showpiece curtain-raiser against Liverpool at the end of this month.

Manchester City face West Ham United at the London Stadium on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.