Rodri tells Barcelona to add solidity for Europe

Barcelona must improve its defensive control and handling of decisive moments if it is to return to the top of European football, Rodri has warned. The Spain midfielder believes the club’s route to Champions League success will depend less on attacking quality than on avoiding costly errors in knockout matches.

Barcelona scored 32 goals in 12 Champions League games last season but still went out in the quarter-finals against Atlético de Madrid. The team conceded 20 times during that campaign, a record Rodri sees as evidence that greater defensive consistency is required. Red cards, penalties and unnecessary goals conceded can determine whether a side advances, he said.

Rodri has also rejected the idea that Barcelona should be considered favourites. The club has not won the competition since 2015, and he believes its recent disappointments must become part of an ongoing learning process. His emphasis is on controlling difficult periods rather than trying to win every match through attacking brilliance.

The midfielder brings extensive Champions League experience from Manchester City, where he eventually lifted the trophy as captain in 2024. That experience has shaped his view that European champions are often built through repeated setbacks and better decision-making. Rodri still believes Barcelona have a genuine chance, but he has presented solidity and maturity as prerequisites for turning that opportunity into a title.