Manchester City midfielder Rodri has warned former team-mate Kevin De Bruyne that he will be given no room to operate when Napoli visit the Etihad Stadium in Manchester City’s opening UEFA Champions League fixture on Thursday night.
De Bruyne’s return adds extra spice
De Bruyne’s summer move to Napoli after his Manchester City contract expired has created a compelling subplot for the Champions League opener. The Belgian’s first trip back to the Etihad since his departure has generated emotion and narrative — but Pep Guardiola’s squad insist sentiment will be put to one side once the whistle blows.
Rodri underlined the importance of the night, emphasising the competitive stakes and his personal approach to facing one of City’s most influential former players. It’s going to be a special day for him, for us,
Rodri said, before adding firmly: But at the end, on the pitch we’re going to be opponents, so I’m not going to give him any space.
High stakes in a packed Champions League run
The fixture arrives at a testing point in City’s schedule: the revamped Champions League league phase offers little margin for error and a demanding run follows, including trips to Monaco and Villarreal and home ties against Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. City know a strong start is crucial to easing pressure later in the campaign.
Rodri also stressed the unfamiliarity of the new format and the need for consistency. I didn’t play this format before. And it seems very tough, so you have to win every single game to have a good qualification. So the first game, always it’s important,
he added.
Bernardo Silva on the emotional backdrop
City playmaker Bernardo Silva admitted there will be an emotional atmosphere at the Etihad and revealed he had reached out to De Bruyne after the draw. I texted him right after the [league phase] draw, and I think the fans are actually going to sing more his songs than our songs, probably! He’s really happy,
Bernardo said, while acknowledging the competitive edge of the occasion.
What’s at stake
- Psychological advantage: An early win would hand City momentum and silence critics who questioned their pre-season turbulence.
- Group positioning: The new Champions League format makes every early point valuable for qualification and seeding.
- Personal narratives: De Bruyne’s return and City’s attempts to integrate new signings add layers of intrigue to the fixture.
FAQs
- When do Manchester City play Napoli?
The match is on Thursday night at the Etihad Stadium as part of the UEFA Champions League league-phase fixtures.
- Why is Kevin De Bruyne’s return significant?
De Bruyne was a club talisman for years; his first return after leaving on a free transfer carries emotional weight and tactical interest given his deep knowledge of City’s system.
- What did Rodri say?
Rodri said he will treat De Bruyne as an opponent and will not give him any space: I’m not going to give him any space.
- How important is this match for City?
Very — the new Champions League format rewards consistent results across the league phase, so starting strongly is vital.
Conclusion
Kevin De Bruyne’s Etihad return promises to be an emotional and tactical highlight of the Champions League weekend. Yet City’s leaders — exemplified by Rodri’s combative warning — have been unequivocal: nostalgia ends when the game starts. A strong result on Thursday will not only set the tone for City’s European campaign but will also answer questions about the squad’s resilience and readiness to meet a packed schedule.
