Barcelona midfielder Rodri has played down expectations surrounding the club’s chances of winning the UEFA Champions League, insisting that the team still has several areas to improve.
The Spain international said Barcelona should not consider themselves favourites for the European title despite their ambitions to compete at the highest level.
Speaking during an interview, Rodri said the team must remain aware of the challenges involved in winning the competition.
“I don’t think we are favourites to win the Champions League. We have to understand where we come from and what it takes to become champions,” he said.
Rodri identified several defensive issues that Barcelona need to address, including red cards, penalties conceded and the team’s inability to prevent opponents from creating unnecessary chances.
He believes Barcelona may need to sacrifice some of their attacking intensity in certain situations in order to become more consistent defensively.
“It’s better to be a little less good going forward but be more consistent and solid,” Rodri said.
The midfielder also explained that his decision to join Barcelona was partly motivated by his desire to help the team develop the qualities required to compete for major trophies.
According to Rodri, success in the Champions League is not only about having the best team on paper. He said clubs must also know how to deal with important moments during matches.
“I think the Champions League is not necessarily a tournament that rewards the best team. It’s a competition of moments, where you have to know how to understand and manage those moments,” he added.
Rodri also pointed to experience as an important factor in European competition. He said players often have to experience defeat before learning what is required to win major trophies.
Despite his caution, the midfielder remains determined to help Barcelona challenge for the Champions League.
“If you ask me whether there is a chance of winning it: that’s exactly why I came here,” Rodri said.
