BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona coach Hansi Flick says Rodri is the “perfect” signing for the Spanish champions after the midfielder made his debut in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Athletic Club in LaLiga.
Rodri, a €60 million ($70m) arrival from Manchester City this summer, was introduced in the second half at Spotify Camp Nou, with the home crowd giving him a rousing reception as he entered the pitch.
“Everyone is happy he’s playing for us, playing for Barça,” Flick said in a news conference when asked about Rodri’s debut.
“He’s the perfect player for us, the perfect player for our philosophy, the style we want to play football.”
Rodri missed Sunday’s 5-0 win over Elche due to a lack of match rhythm, but started training with his new teammates on Monday and was named on the bench against Athletic.
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“I’m happy to play my first game with Barcelona, happy for the victory, the second in a row for the team,” Rodri said. “It’s important to start gaining rhythm. I felt good with my first minutes.”
Pedri and Marc Bernal were chosen to start ahead of him in midfield before he replaced the latter just after the hour mark.
“I also have to say Bernal played well during the minutes he was on the pitch, so I am happy,” Flick added. “Pedri, Bernal… they’re doing fantastic, too.”
Raphinha and Fermín López scored either side of the break as Barça made it six points from six after two games in LaLiga this season.
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There was also a first start for England international Anthony Gordon, who created two goals off the bench against Elche last Sunday, and his name was chanted by Barça fans when he was taken off in the second half.
Flick has been impressed with how he has settled in at Barça following his move from Newcastle United but says he can still improve.
“His speed, his intensity, it’s really good for us, exactly what we want from him,” the German coach said.
“Of course he has just arrived, two and a half weeks ago after the World Cup, so also he has potential to go to another level. And we need him on this level.”
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Flick also singled out Xavi Espart for praise as the teenage midfielder, who has previously been compared to Bayern Munich and Germany legend Philipp Lahm, started for the second successive game at left back.
“I am really surprised about his coolness, about how he’s playing,” Flick said. “I don’t really know how many first-team games he’s played, but he is doing fantastic. With the ball, without the ball, his technique … you know it from La Masia players.
“He’s always focused and technically on a high level. I think also he has potential more to improve. This is what we’re working on every day.”
Barça are back at Camp Nou on Monday when they host Rayo Vallecano in the league.
