Reijnders Reflects on Manchester City Challenge After Guardiola Benching

Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has addressed his recent exclusion from Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup, expressing understanding and positivity about his role within the squad’s competitive environment. The Dutch international, who joined City from AC Milan last summer, admitted that he has “been spoiled” in the past with consistent starts but remains fully committed to adapting and contributing at the Etihad.

Manchester City and Reijnders: A New Era in Midfield

Manchester City’s summer acquisition of Tijjani Reijnders was seen as a statement move, especially as the club sought to rejuvenate its midfield following Kevin De Bruyne’s injury. Reijnders made an immediate impact, collecting a goal and five assists in his first 15 appearances and showcasing versatility as both a No. 8 and a deeper-lying playmaker. His high-energy performances and tactical intelligence quickly earned Guardiola’s trust and regular minutes early in the season.

However, the intense competition within City’s star-studded squad became apparent in recent weeks. Reijnders found himself starting on the bench in back-to-back Premier League fixtures, including the high-profile clash against Liverpool. Despite coming off a strong run of form, the midfielder was left out as Guardiola rotated his options amid a congested fixture list.

Reijnders’ Response to Guardiola’s Rotation

Rather than displaying frustration, Reijnders has openly embraced the realities of playing for Manchester City. “It’s great, the Premier League. I still enjoy every day at Manchester City,” he told reporters. “There’s a lot to consider in training, how we prepare tactically. That was the coach’s decision against Liverpool. I’ve been spoiled a bit these past few years. That’s part of being at a club like this. You sometimes end up on the bench.”

The Dutchman pointed to the depth of talent in City’s midfield as both a challenge and a motivator, emphasizing that anyone in the squad can be called upon to start. He reiterated his focus on staying ready to contribute when given the opportunity.

Proving His Value Across Competitions

Despite this recent setback, Reijnders’ contributions have not gone unnoticed. In addition to his Premier League output, he has delivered three assists in the Champions League, demonstrating his ability to influence games on both domestic and European stages. Guardiola’s tendency to rotate his squad, especially during demanding stretches, means opportunities will continue to arise for adaptable players like Reijnders.

His seamless transition into City’s system has marked him as a potential long-term successor to De Bruyne’s creative mantle. The Dutch international’s ability to link defense and attack, combined with his tactical discipline, has already made him a fan favorite among City supporters.

Manchester City Midfielder Reijnders Eyes International Impact

As City head into the international break, Reijnders is expected to feature prominently for the Netherlands in their World Cup qualifying campaign. National team manager Ronald Koeman has praised his technical skill and versatility, qualities that have become even more refined since his move to Manchester.

Looking ahead, Reijnders’ goal will be to reclaim his starting spot in Guardiola’s lineup once domestic football resumes. With Manchester City facing a demanding run of fixtures across all competitions, his consistent performances and positive attitude should keep him firmly in contention. The club views him as a crucial part of their midfield future, confident that his influence will only grow as he continues to adapt to the Premier League’s unique challenges.

Opinion: Reijnders Shows the Mindset Needed at Manchester City

Reijnders’ mature reaction to being benched highlights the professionalism and self-awareness that Guardiola expects from his players. His willingness to accept rotation and focus on the bigger picture is a testament to his mentality—and a reminder of why Manchester City consistently compete at the highest level. With his blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and humility, Reijnders seems tailor-made for Guardiola’s City and will surely play a significant role as the season progresses.

For more updates on Manchester City, the Premier League, and international football, visit for more news.