Manchester City new signings have been given the secret to succeeding under Pep Guardiola: talk to him.
Ilkay Gundogan explained ahead of Germany's match with Spain at the European Championship how midfielder Rodri would stay behind for half an hour after training sessions at the City Football Academy - not to do extra work, but to speak with the manager. It did not bear immediate results as the Spaniard struggled in his first year at the Etihad, but he has since become the best player in his position in the world.
Learning to adapt to Guardiola's methods takes time for many players, with very few City signings capable of showing their best in their first season. However, Rodri can vouch for the value of speaking to the manager as often as possible in the early days in order to best understand what is expected of you.
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"When a player tries to adapt to Pep’s football, to a new environment, he needs information: to see things, repeat them, go over them, learn. He’s a coach that requires your attention, understanding," he told the Guardian.
"As a midfielder, you don’t so much need to learn the practical work, although it’s always useful: receiving, passing. In theory you already have that; what you don’t have is the ‘'where does the pass go?' The decision. So you talk."
Savio is expected to join City this summer and they will be expected to sign a player in Rodri's position after Kalvin Phillips failed to provide the necessary competition or cover. City's chairman has warned that there may be fewer transfers than usual across the league though as a result of the increased regulations that all clubs must adhere to.
