Barcelona continued their remarkable start to the season with a 5-2 victory over Real Betis, but midfielder Rodri believes Hansi Flick’s team still have an important weakness to address.
The Catalans were not at their best last night, with the first half proving closely contested, but Barça turned on the style in the second half.
Rodri concerned about Barcelona’s defensive record
As quoted by Diario SPORT, the Spanish midfielder acknowledged Barcelona’s defensive shortcomings after scoring his first goal for the club at La Cartuja.
“Very happy with the victory. This is one of the most difficult grounds in the league,” Rodri said after the match.
“I’m happy with my goal, which gave us some calm when we were struggling the most.”
However, the former Manchester City midfielder was quick to identify an area requiring improvement.
“The team is showing its attacking potential, but we are conceding quite a lot. That’s where we can improve,” he said.
Rodri has proven to be a massive performer for Barcelona. (Picture credit: Barcelona official website)
Rodri also praised Lamine Yamal, who produced another outstanding goal against Betis.
“What a goal from Lamine. We’re used to seeing this from him,” he said, before highlighting the youngster’s work rate hand willingness to help his team-mates.
The midfielder also criticised the condition of the La Cartuja pitch, explaining that it made Barcelona’s passing game more difficult.
A timely warning before PSG and Real Madrid
Rodri’s comments carry particular significance because Barcelona are approaching their most demanding week of the season.
Flick’s side face reigning European champions PSG before meeting Real Madrid in El Clasico. Barcelona’s attacking quality has been exceptional, but they conceded twice against Betis.
Barcelona face PSG next. (Photo by Darko Bandic – Pool/Getty Images)
Against opponents possessing greater individual quality, defensive mistakes could prove far more costly.
Rodri’s arrival has strengthened Barcelona’s midfield, yet even his presence cannot eliminate the spaces created when the team commit so many players forward.
Finding a better balance between attacking ambition and defensive security could determine how far this Barcelona side progress.
It is encouraging that Rodri has acknowledged the problem publicly, and it remains to be seen how Barça fare against PSG and Madrid.