Valencia Club de Fútbol finds itself at the center of controversy following the heavy 0-5 defeat against Barcelona at Mestalla, with disparaging comments from opposing player Rodri Hernández and a new defensive injury adding to their woes. Carlos Corberán's team, bottom of La Liga with just one point from four matches, faces a sporting crisis ahead of their visit to Sevilla this Friday.
What did Rodri say about Valencia?
According to Record MX, cameras from the program El Día Después captured a private conversation by Barcelona midfielder Rodri Hernández on the bench. The player, who had just been substituted in the 62nd minute of the match, commented to his teammate Pau Cubarsí about Valencia's performance. "Very weak, they are very weak these... Very weak. They are very bad, man. They are terrible," Rodri stated according to the broadcast images.
The Spanish international also expressed surprise at Valencia's finish last season. "How did they get classified last season?", he wondered during the chat. The comments, made in the context of a conversation between teammates, generated immediate controversy when made public. The situation served as a reminder that cameras constantly monitor what happens on the benches during matches.
How is Sevilla preparing for the match against Valencia?
ABC Deportes detailed that Sevilla FC began preparations for next Friday's match at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Manager Luis García Plaza led a light recovery session with his squad this Monday. The Sevillians come into the match after drawing against Espanyol while playing almost the entire second half with one player less.
The Nervión coach hopes to have Rubén Vargas available soon, who missed the last match due to knee discomfort. Valencia will visit Sevilla, seventh in the table, in what will be the Andalusian team's third league home game this season. The full schedule of upcoming fixtures can be checked on our fixtures page.
What injury does Mouctar Diakhaby have?
Mundo Deportivo reported that Mouctar Diakhaby caused alarm at Valencia after the rout. The Franco-Guinean center-back had to leave the pitch in the 63rd minute due to muscular discomfort and was replaced by youth player Iker Córdoba. The Valencian club fears it could be a significant injury that would keep the player out for several weeks.
Diakhaby will undergo medical tests to determine the exact extent of the problem. His absence worsens the team's defensive crisis, which already has several injured players in that position. The complete injury list, which includes S. Canos, J. Copete, J. De Haas, D. Foulquier, D. Lopez, and L. Rioja, is available in our injuries section.
How did Mundo Deportivo rate Valencia's players?
The same outlet published an individual assessment of Valencia's players after the match against Barcelona. It highlighted that goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski prevented a heavier defeat, while Arnau Martínez was among the best in defense as he had to constantly provide defensive cover. Conversely, it noted that Pepelu was "annihilated" by Barcelona's versatility and that Javi Guerra "disappeared" without being able to show his quality.
Arnaut Danjuma was the player who created the most danger against Barcelona according to this assessment. The defeat leaves Valencia with just one goal scored and nine conceded so far this season, a negative eight-goal difference that reflects their problems. The current standings, where the team occupies last place, can be followed on standings.
Valencia, who find themselves eleven points behind leaders Barcelona, look to react in their next fixture. The team will visit Sevilla on September 11, 2026, at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
