"Be the player that you are; and can make the difference," Rodrigo said in a pre-match press conference where he appeared optimistic: "We go without any fear, we know we can beat anyone."
Rodrigo was the player chosen by the RFEF to attend the press conference ahead of the first Eurocup semi-final between Spain and France, which will take place this Tuesday (21:00 CET, La1) with Vincic as referee.
Rabiot says Mbappé is not at one hundred percent; Deschamps says he is. Could he wake up tomorrow?
- I don't trust, if I'm honest, in what they talk about. Be the player he is and can make the difference. There is no need for you to be well or bad. It is a threat.
Do you remember they can also be a golden generation?
- That golden generation, when it started, was not. It is necessary to build the legacy. We are the same. We know the team we have, but we do not think about it. We have a very difficult, very tough game. We will have to take an optimal version, better than good, to pass to the final.
What are your memories?
- I remember I was a kid and was a total fan. They opened up that feeling that we could be champions. We want to do the same. We have the experience of winning the Nations and here we are, but we know we have a very tough game against France.
What would winning the Golden Ball mean to you?
- I have said it many times. In my perspective of football, the important thing is the collective. Of course, it is good when you are individually recognized, but here the team is important. I do my football. For me, playing midfielder is the most beautiful thing in football.
How do you see Lamine?
- It is not easy to play like that with the personality he has. What I can say is that he is focused on the team. He wants to listen and improve with the people around him.
Will the goal of the French defense be?
- We always want to be protected and that is the job of the referees. They are the ones who have to decide when a card is yellow or red. Surely tomorrow will be a physical battle because both teams have weapons there. We know the power they have there and we will try to take the match to what suits us best.
Who are the most dangerous players in France?
- Mbappé. But France is more than Mbappé. They are strong at the back, I wouldn't like to single out anyone.
Would you have made those changes against Germany?
- Today I am not a coach. I leave the responsibility to the coach. If he changed them, it was because he believed it was necessary. He has a whole staff with which he analyzes these situations. Obviously, when players come off the bench, they bring new characteristics.
France has not lost a game in the first 90 minutes in ten years.
- It is one of the teams that has achieved the most results and that is why it is difficult to beat. But we have our weapons. We are going to take the match where we want it. We are not going with fear, but with the certainty that we are doing things well.
Do we have to throw more outside?
- I agree. Especially with a team that retreats so much. The solution may be outside. If the game goes as I believe, that they will hold out, it can be a solution.
What do you think of Morata's statements?
- It is a very personal opinion. His head tomorrow is surely not on that type of decision. Tomorrow he will offer his best version. And then, let him make the decision he considers appropriate.
Is winning against a boring team more satisfying?
- I do not see football that way. They are in the semifinal, like us. And others, no. What we want is to win; we are not going to look much at what they do.
Could you play central tomorrow?
- Don't worry. There are good players to replace them. There is not much to say, I am a midfielder.
You said they had to take their model against Germany.
- Until the end. I believe in my opinion, which is what leads you to win. Without the ball we are being solid. And it is not a coincidence. We finish exhausted and that speaks of the solidarity of this team.
What is the secret?
If I tell you ... I think the key is that we are seeing a vertical, versatile Spain. I think we have played different games in this Eurocup and interpreted them well. I think from the Germany match we can better handle when we took the lead. But I think we are seeing a very complete Spain.
How would you describe your role in the National Team?
I have been for a few years now. I am learning, assuming more leadership. I think the experience in two great tournaments allows me to convey what I want. And I think we see a Spain with very defined values, which plays without fear of anything. With boys with aplomb, others with experience. We have been working hard and with the feeling that things will turn out.
What does Spain lose without Pedri and what does it gain with Olmo?
They have different characteristics. With Pedri, there is more final pass, ball possession. And with Dani we have more arrival. He interprets spaces well, turns well. It is a very important loss for us and a shame because an important phase is lost. But it will support to death