Following Barcelona’s 5-2 away win over Real Betis, Rodri spoke to the club’s official media about the team’s performance, the upcoming clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Lamine Yamal’s development and how it felt to score his first goal for Barça.
On the match:
It was certainly difficult to play out there today, but as we said from the outset, there are no excuses. The team showed real competitive spirit. Of course, we conceded, and we have been letting in goals lately, so there is still room for improvement defensively. But we have to keep moving forward. It was a great match, and the team once again showed its tremendous potential.
An incredible week lies ahead: you face Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, followed by El Clásico. This victory is hugely significant in terms of both points and morale, making it nine straight league wins and 11 consecutive victories in all competitions.
Winning and picking up points is always a positive. We know the season has only just begun, and we are not looking too far ahead. Our full focus is now on Paris Saint-Germain, who may well be the strongest team in Europe at the moment. We will go toe-to-toe with them and see exactly where we stand.
Many have described this as a final in all but name—a showdown between two of the game's biggest clubs and arguably the most thrilling matchup in world football right now.
I don't know. Honestly, I'm not sure we'll approach it as if it were a final. It's just a regular match in the Champions League league phase. We also need to manage our energy levels sensibly, but obviously, these three points are crucial. They'll give it everything at home. As I said, this will be a great test of where we stand.
The last two quick questions. You once told Lamine Yamal, “Keep working hard and you can go a very long way,” and the cameras captured that moment. Looking back at his performances in recent matches and his goal today, just how high is Lamine’s ceiling?
People often focus only on those spectacular, seemingly impossible goals, and I find them incredible and breathtaking too. But what I value more is a player’s continued improvement and all-round development in other aspects of the game, and he demonstrates that every day. He is hugely committed to the team on the pitch. Of course, sometimes he beats his man and gets to the byline only to lose possession, giving the opposition a chance to counterattack, but that comes with having such an explosive player who is so good at taking defenders on. What I appreciate even more are his other qualities: his football intelligence, the timing of his decisions on the ball, knowing when to keep possession and when to be patient. I think all of that comes naturally to him. As for those wonderful goals, I hope he can keep this form going, because he can always turn a game.
Scoring spectacular goals is nothing new for you. Rodri, today’s goal was also your first for Barça.
Scoring goals is obviously very important. As I’ve always said, everyone has to be involved and contribute. I’m very happy and satisfied to have scored.