Author of a thunderous start to the season, FC Barcelona currently dominates La Liga with a faultless run. With four victories in as many games, Hansi Flick’s men have taken first place in the standings by inflicting severe corrections on their opponents, like the scathing 0-5 inflicted this weekend on the Valencia pitch. With 17 goals scored and only 2 conceded, the Blaugranas are off to a historic season with individuals already there.
This positive dynamic is driven by an ambitious transfer window, symbolized by the flagship recruitment of Rodri this summer. By choosing Catalonia after failing at Real Madrid, the 30-year-old midfielder brings an immense dimension to Catalan ambitions. For his first start under his new colors at Mestalla, the Spanish international delivered a very solid performance, celebrated by an ovation when he left in the 62nd minute. However, this first notable match immediately gave way to his very first controversy off the field.
“They suck, man!” »Rodri destroys Valencia
When going to sit on the bench alongside Pau Cubarsi, the world champion did not cover his mouth and confided without filter to his young teammate. Problem, the cameras Movistar+ focused on him and captured the entire discussion. Shocked by the enemy’s passivity, he blurted out: “really soft, these guys are really soft… Really soft. They suck, man! They really suck. They are pitiful. Where did they finish in the standings last season? They didn’t even cross the halfway line in the second half…»
In Spain, this raw frankness captured by the show El DĂa DespuĂ©s caused a stir. Even if it is only pure frankness expressed to a teammate, the Iberian press still notes a form of disrespect for his opponent. Accustomed to the intensity of the Premier League where each match is played with passion, the player will also have to manage the omnipresence of Iberian cameras ready to track the slightest word. Considered a major player unlike his debut in Spain, the midfielder will quickly have to relearn the media codes if he wants to avoid his adaptation on the pitch being overshadowed by corridor controversies.
