Barcelona midfielder Rodri sparked controversy after being caught on camera openly criticizing Valencia Club de Fútbol from the Mestalla bench during last weekend's 5-0 rout. The player, substituted in the 62nd minute with the score already 0-3, expressed his harsh opinion about the Che team's performance to teammate Pau Cubarsí.
Rodri's comments come at a critical time for Valencia CF, who sit bottom of the La Liga table with just one point from a possible 12. Carlos Corberán's team has conceded nine goals and scored only one in their first four matches, accumulating a losing streak that leaves them 11 points behind the leaders, ironically Barcelona. This adverse sporting context adds an extra dimension to the Spanish international's words.
Cameras captured Rodri on the bench, seated next to young defender Pau Cubarsí, after leaving the pitch. In the footage, the midfielder addresses his teammate with clear disbelief. "Very weak, they are very weak," Rodri stated initially. Shortly after, he intensified his criticism: "They are terrible."
Rodri, who returns to La Liga after seven seasons in the Premier League with Manchester City, showed particular surprise upon learning about Valencia's recent performance. "But, how did Valencia finish last year?" he asked Cubarsí. When the defender replied that the team had been close to European positions the previous season, Rodri's expression of astonishment grew. The player also commented on the match's development, noting that Valencia "hasn't passed the halfway line in the second half."
The original video was deleted shortly after publication, without an explanation being offered. However, other users had already captured and redistributed it, keeping the debate alive on social media throughout the week. The reaction among Valencia supporters has been divided.
Some fans criticized Rodri for disrespecting an opponent, considering his comments unnecessary after such a comprehensive victory. Others, however, supported his assessment, interpreting it as an honest reflection of the serious sporting situation the club is experiencing. A section of the fanbase even appreciated that the footballer's words focused attention on the crisis of the project, especially under the ownership of Peter Lim, whose management has failed to improve the team's long-term performance.
The outlook for Valencia CF is worrying at the start of the 2026/27 season. The team is not only in last place but also has the worst goal difference in the competition at -8. This situation strongly contrasts with the last season Rodri experienced in Spain, 2018/2019, when Valencia finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League.
Carlos Corberán faces the complex challenge of reversing this negative dynamic immediately. The squad needs to quickly find defensive and offensive solutions to compete with guarantees. Fans can check the team's evolution and detailed squad data on our stats page.
The chance for a reaction comes soon. Valencia CF travels this Friday, September 11, to face Sevilla, sixth in the table, at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. This match represents a difficult away test but also an immediate opportunity to earn points and escape the bottom position. The full season schedule is available in our fixtures section.
The match against Sevilla is the first step in a decisive week to define the initial trajectory of the campaign. Pressure on the team and coaching staff is at its peak, and the response on the pitch must be forceful to begin changing the narrative.
