Rodri Says Barcelona Are Not Champions League Favourites

Rodri has made a strong start since joining Barcelona from Manchester City, but the midfielder is keeping expectations in check when it comes to the club's Champions League hopes.

Barcelona have won back-to-back La Liga titles but have struggled to match that form in Europe, still chasing their first Champions League win in 12 years. That pursuit played a big part in the club's decision to sign the 30-year-old Spain captain over the summer.

Rodri has settled in quickly and already looks like a key part of Barcelona's midfield, but in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, he gave a realistic view of where the club currently stands compared to Europe's best.

"The Champions League is achievable, but I don't think we're favourites," Rodri said. "Obviously, I see it as a realistic title for us. It's that final step we need to take to establish ourselves and show Europe what kind of team we are."

He made clear that talent alone will not be enough to win the competition.

"I don't think we're favourites. You have to understand where we're coming from and what it takes to become champions," Rodri said. "This team still needs to polish several things to win it. Players like me have come here partly for that, to help the team grow and provide something that I think is important when it comes to winning titles as unique as the Champions League."

Barcelona's recent European campaigns have ended in disappointment, including exits against Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, where lapses in discipline and defending proved costly. Rodri believes learning to manage those key moments is essential if Barcelona want to go further.

"I don't think the Champions League is a tournament where the best team necessarily wins. It's a tournament of moments, and understanding those moments," he said. "I think that's perhaps the area where this team still has room to improve. But if you ask me whether we have a chance, that's why I came here."

He also pointed to the need for a more pragmatic approach in the knockout stages, rather than relying purely on attacking football.

"It's about controlling those moments that make the difference in a tie, especially when the important knockout rounds arrive," Rodri said. "Red cards, penalties, perhaps not conceding more than you should. All of those things determine whether you go through or go out."

He added that discipline and consistency have often mattered more than style for the teams that have gone on to win the competition.

"Perhaps it's better not to be quite as good offensively but to be more consistent and more solid," Rodri said. "The teams that have been able to win it have shown you that. That's where we have room to improve, and I'm sure we will."