Barcelona star Rodri says his new team have a chance of winning the Champions League this season and has shared some advice on how the Catalans can be crowned champions of Europe once again.
Rodri has lifted the European Cup with Manchester City and is gunning for the trophy again after making the switch to Barcelona this summer.
“I definitely see it as a feasible title, and it’s, so to speak, that little step we need to take to consolidate our position and show Europe what kind of team we are. Beyond
that, I don’t think we’re favorites. We have to understand where we’ve come from, we have to understand what it takes to be champions, and this team still needs to refine several things to become champions,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
“Players like me are also here for that reason, to grow and give the team that extra something I think is important to win titles as unique as the Champions League, because I believe the Champions League isn’t a tournament about who’s the best; it’s a tournament of moments and understanding what those moments are, and I think that’s perhaps the margin this team has left. Now, if you ask me if there are any chances, that’s why I came here.”
Rodri was asked what needs to change at Barcelona if they are to finish on top of the pile this season and he offered up the following reply.
“It’s about controlling those crucial moments in a knockout tie, especially when the important knockout rounds come around. Red cards, penalties, perhaps not conceding more than necessary. All of those things determine whether you advance or not,” he added.
“So, it’s perhaps more valuable to be less offensively prolific and more consistent and solid. And the teams that have managed to win have shown you that, so that’s the room for improvement we have, and I’m sure of it. But that’s also linked to experience.
“I’ve always said that before you win, you have to lose and you have to learn, and those of us who have been able to win important things know that. I’ve played in the Champions League countless times before we were able to win, so I understand that there’s a learning process in that experience, and I understand that the players learn year after year.”
Barcelona started their Champions League campaign with a big win over Feyenoord but face a trip to defending champions PSG next.
