Rodri Critiques Valencia's Performance After Barcelona's 5-0 Win at Mestalla
During Barcelona’s convincing 5-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla, Rodri Hernandez was caught on camera sharply criticizing the home side’s performance. The Spanish midfielder expressed his disappointment during a private exchange with teammate Pau Cubarsí after being substituted in the 62nd minute.
Unfiltered Thoughts from the Bench
Rodri, starting for the first time with the Catalan giants, received a warm ovation from the Mestalla crowd upon leaving the pitch. But once seated beside young defender Cubarsí, his tone shifted dramatically. Captured by El Día Después cameras, Rodri described Valencia’s effort as “very lazy” and “really bad,” showing genuine surprise at their lack of resistance despite Barcelona holding a solid 3-0 lead when he was replaced.
Disbelief Over Valencia’s Current Standing
The conversation delved deeper, with Rodri questioning how a club with Valencia’s history could perform so poorly. He asked aloud about their previous season’s finish, unable to match their present struggles with their reputation. His words included, “They are terrible, they are terrible. Where did Valencia finish last year?”
Rodri also criticized their tactics and ambition, pointing out that Valencia failed to cross midfield in the second half, allowing Barcelona to control the game without any serious threats.
Strong Debut Despite Controversy
On the field, Rodri impressed in the heart of Hansi Flick’s midfield. His composure and control helped steer Barcelona’s play, making him a key figure throughout the match. Flick praised his new signing, saying, “Everything Rodri does makes sense. It’s exciting. Not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room.”
Incident Under Review
The day wasn’t flawless for Rodri, though. A defensive moment involving Valencia forward Arnaut Danjuma sparked debate. Video analysis suggests Rodri may have fouled Danjuma just before a shot attempt, with some arguing it warranted a penalty and a red card. The referee did not take action during the match.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Champions League: Barcelona vs Feyenoord – 9 Sept 2026, 18:45
- La Liga: Sevilla vs Valencia – 11 Sept 2026, 21:00
