Barcelona: Rodri reveals what the team still lacks to win the Champions League

Barcelona’s marquee summer signing has quickly become a key figure and has identified the main area the team must improve to conquer Europe.

Rodri has wasted little time making an impact since joining from Manchester City this summer for around €60 million. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has formed a strong midfield partnership with Pedri and has played an important role in Barcelona’s explosive start under Hansi Flick. Even so, the Spain international is not yet ready to label the Catalans favourites for the Champions League.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo about the club’s European ambitions, Rodri said:

“Yes, obviously, that is the final little step we need to take to show Europe what we are made of. I don’t think we are favourites. We have to keep in mind where we come from and understand what it takes to become champions. This team still needs to refine certain aspects to get there.”

“The Champions League is decided by key moments”

The Spanish midfielder believes knockout football is ultimately about handling decisive situations better than the opposition.

“In my opinion, the Champions League does not necessarily reward the best team on paper. It is a competition decided by key moments, by the ability to seize them, and that is perhaps where this team still has room to improve.”

He then explained exactly what Barcelona must manage better:

“It is about controlling those decisive moments in the knockout stages, when the big games arrive. Red cards, penalties, not conceding more than you should… all of that determines whether you go through or not. Maybe it is better to be less spectacular going forward but show more consistency and solidity.”

A near-perfect start to the season

Barcelona’s numbers still offer plenty of encouragement. Flick’s side have won their first five La Liga matches and sit top of the table with a perfect 15 points from 15. They have already scored 21 goals while conceding only four, including 5-0 victories over Elche and Valencia before a 4-2 away win against Levante.

Their European campaign also began in emphatic fashion, with Barcelona thrashing Feyenoord 5-1 in their opening Champions League fixture. The attacking power is already obvious, but Rodri’s message is clear: lifting the trophy will also require control, maturity and the ability to survive the moments when brilliance alone is not enough.

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Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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