Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Rodri would give his side greater organisation and control over the tempo of matches, while insisting he has complete faith in sporting director Deco to secure the signing of a new striker.
Flick was speaking after Barcelona completed their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 victory over Egyptian club Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday evening.
The German coach praised Rodri’s ability to influence games through his experience, decision-making and composure in possession.
“I think Rodri showed at the World Cup that he is the best player… and he is good at handling the ball with both feet,” Flick said.
He added: “He is a player who can make decisions, who can decide when to play faster or slower. That is what we want, a player like him, with experience. He is a leader on the pitch and in the dressing room.”
Rodri, who plays in midfield for Manchester City, was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner after helping his club win the Premier League and Spain claim the European Championship. Flick’s comments underline the qualities he believes could improve Barcelona’s control in key moments.
The Barcelona manager also warned that the forthcoming campaign would present significant challenges, with the club’s preparations disrupted by the late arrival of several players.
“This year will not be easy,” he said. “The preparation period was not easy because many players arrived only a week ago. We have to use all these matches we have to manage the minutes and get the players to the highest level possible.”
Barcelona begin their La Liga campaign on Sunday with an away match against Elche at Manuel Martinez Valero. It will be their second league fixture, as their opening game was postponed because several members of the squad had reached the later stages of the World Cup.
Flick expects a demanding test against Elche, who he believes have been playing attractive football in recent weeks.
“I think we have difficult games ahead of us. Elche have played very good football recently,” he said. “But we have quality and we have a great team. We have to manage that because I think the international break did not make things easier for us. But we are heading straight into the season and we have very good and positive feelings.”
Barcelona are also continuing their search for another forward before the summer transfer window closes. Flick said the club remain focused on finding the right player and gave his full backing to Deco, who is leading the recruitment operation.
“We are looking for this player, the striker. Deco is doing a great job and I trust him blindly,” Flick said.
Barcelona ended their preparations with victory over Al Ahly after Hamza Abdelkarim gave the home side the lead. Raphinha equalised from the penalty spot before Ahmed Sayed Zizo scored Al Ahly’s only goal to reduce the deficit.
The match provided Flick with one final opportunity to assess his squad before the competitive season begins in earnest, with Barcelona now turning their attention to Sunday’s trip to Elche.
