Having arrived from Manchester City in the summer, Rodri has quickly settled into life at FC Barcelona.
The 30-year-old Spain captain has already become a permanent fixture in the team, elevating the level of an already successful squad that has won back-to-back La Liga titles.
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The UEFA Champions League, though, has remained out of Barça’s reach, and a player of Rodri’s quality and experience is seen as an addition to help bridge that gap.
Rodri on Barcelona’s UCL chances
Now, in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, only a part of which has been released, Rodri admitted that Barcelona have a realistic chance of winning the Champions League for the first time in 12 years.
However, he insists the Catalan side cannot yet be considered favourites.
“The Champions League is achievable, but I don’t think we’re favourites,” Rodri said.
The World Cup-winning Spain captain sees the Champions League as the final piece of the puzzle for a Barcelona side that has already established itself domestically.
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“Obviously, I see it as a realistic title for us. It’s that final step we need to take to establish ourselves and show Europe what kind of team we are,” he firmly stated.
Rodri believes Barça have the quality to win the UCL. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
However, he stressed that winning the competition requires more than simply being one of the strongest teams on paper.
“I don’t think we’re favourites. You have to understand where we’re coming from and what it takes to become champions. This team still needs to polish several things to win it.”
Rodri believes players with his experience can help the squad develop that understanding.
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“Players like me have come here partly for that, to help the team grow and provide something that I think is important when it comes to winning titles as unique as the Champions League,” Rodri admitted.
For Rodri, European success is often decided by moments rather than overall superiority.
“I don’t think the Champions League is a tournament where the best team necessarily wins. It’s a tournament of moments, and understanding those moments. I think that’s perhaps the area where this team still has room to improve.”
“But if you ask me whether we have a chance, that’s why I came here.”
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Barcelona must learn to control decisive moments
Rodri was then asked about the tactical improvements Barcelona need to make, particularly after the painful Champions League elimination against Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid in the last two years.
Barcelona had a defender sent off in both legs against Atletico, while their dramatic tie against Inter saw them score six goals across the two matches but concede seven.
“It’s about controlling those moments that make the difference in a tie, especially when the important knockout rounds arrive,” Rodri acknowledged.
“Red cards, penalties, perhaps not conceding more than you should. All of those things determine whether you go through or go out.”
Rodri insists Barcelona have to improve in several key aspects. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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For the new Barcelona signing, greater defensive consistency could ultimately be more valuable than simply becoming even more dangerous in attack.
“Perhaps it’s better not to be quite as good offensively but to be more consistent and more solid.”
“The teams that have been able to win it have shown you that. That’s where we have room to improve, and I’m sure we will.”
Experience will be crucial
Rodri also believes Barcelona’s development is closely linked to experience. Players need to go through difficult moments before they learn how to manage them at the highest level.
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“That also comes with experience. I’ve always said that before you win, you have to lose and you have to learn,” Rodri admitted.
“Those of us who have been able to win important things know that. I’ve played in I don’t know how many Champions League campaigns before we were finally able to win it.”
“I understand that there’s a learning process in that experience, and I understand that players learn year after year,” he concluded.
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