Manuel Pellegrini Wants Manchester City to Play Like Barcelona, Says Jack Rodwell

Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell has revealed that new City manager Manuel Pellegrini wants his side to play like Barcelona.

Rodwell, in an interview with The Sun newspaper, said:

“Pellegrini likes us to press high up and press in numbers, to get the ball back as soon as possible and then play simple football.

“He wants us to keep the ball until we’re in the final third and then see.

“It’s early and he hasn’t gone into too much detail – he’s gradually drip-feeding us.

“You look at Barcelona and what they do and it works for them so hopefully we’ll adapt.”

With Manchester City hiring staff who have worked at Barcelona before, and they’re building their new academy in the city, it’s not surprising that Pellegrini is trying to build a Barcelona system at the club. On top of that, it makes you wonder how a gifted defensive midfielder like Gareth Barry will fit in with this side, if at all. Plus, it’s one thing to drill your players to play like Barcelona, but can Manchester City play like that when the pressure is on — i.e. will they have the patience?