Rodri Slams Valencia's Performance After Barcelona's 5-0 Mestalla Win
Rodri Voices Harsh Criticism of Valencia During Barcelona’s Victory
During Barcelona’s commanding 5-0 win over Valencia at Mestalla, Rodri Hernandez was caught on camera sharply criticizing the home team. The Spanish midfielder, who started for the first time with the Catalan side, voiced his frustration in a private chat with teammate Pau Cubarsí after being substituted.
Midfield General’s Blunt Remarks Captured on Camera
Rodri earned a standing ovation from the Mestalla crowd upon his substitution in the 62nd minute, an honor usually reserved for top players. Yet once he sat down beside the young defender Cubarsí, his tone shifted to disbelief at Valencia’s lackluster showing. The cameras from El Día Después captured him saying, "They are very lazy, these guys, very lazy. Really bad."
The 28-year-old seemed stunned by how little resistance Valencia offered, especially with Barcelona already leading 3-0 by that point.
Shock Over Valencia’s Current Standing
The conversation continued as Rodri questioned Cubarsí about Valencia’s previous season, clearly surprised by their poor form compared to their usual stature. "They are terrible, they are terrible. Where did Valencia finish last year?" he asked. He also criticized their tactical approach and lack of ambition, noting that in the second half, Valencia hadn’t crossed the halfway line. "Hey, they haven’t even crossed the halfway line in the second half," he remarked.
Impressive Debut Despite Controversy
Rodri’s performance on the pitch was impressive. Positioned centrally in Hansi Flick’s midfield, he controlled the tempo with calm precision, playing a key role in Barcelona’s transitions. Flick praised his new signing’s immediate impact, saying, "Everything Rodri does makes sense. It’s exciting. Not only on the pitch, but also in the dressing room."
Controversial Incident Draws Attention
One moment during the match sparked debate among refereeing experts. Footage showed Rodri engaging physically with Valencia forward Arnaut Danjuma just before a shot attempt. Analysts argued that Rodri lunged towards the striker early, suggesting a penalty and possibly a red card should have been awarded. However, the referee chose not to intervene.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Champions League: Barcelona vs Feyenoord, 9 Sept 2026, 18:45
- La Liga: Sevilla vs Valencia, 11 Sept 2026, 21:00
