Stefan Ortega told Rodri to shoot low against Red Star Belgrade goalkeeper Omri Glazer after noticing the 27-year-old was more focused on stopping the aerial threat.
Rodri, the hero of June’s Champions League final, scored in the 73rd minute to open up a two-goal gap in the 3-1 win. Red Star initially took a shock lead on the stroke of half-time before a Julian Alvarez double after the break turned the game on its head for City.
Rodri made sure of the win with a cool finish, effectively passing the ball beyond the outstretched hand of Glazer, who had a brilliant night but for his missed punch for Alvarez’s second.
Ortega, who remained on the bench, had let his teammates know of what he noted about Glazer, which ultimately contributed towards City’s third goal.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk