Rodri moved quickly to contain the anger of Valencia’s players after video footage surfaced showing him making negative comments about the opposition’s level while sitting on Barcelona’s bench at Mestalla.
The Spain captain was making his first start for the Catalan club, contributing an assist in a commanding 5–0 victory before being substituted in the 61st minute to applause from the home supporters.
However, once seated beside Pau Cubarsí, cameras from the TV show El Día Después captured a private conversation in which Rodri said: “They are so weak… they’re really bad.”
The midfielder then asked which position Valencia finished in last season, and upon learning they had concluded the campaign near European qualification, he appeared astonished, adding: “They haven’t crossed the halfway line in the second half.”
The clip spread rapidly across social platforms before being removed from the show’s official accounts. A conversation Rodri assumed was private turned into a major controversy, particularly as his remarks came following a heavy defeat at a stadium that had initially welcomed him as a World Cup winner and national hero.
Rodri wasted no time in addressing the fallout. Radio station À Punt reported that he personally contacted several Valencia players and conveyed his apologies to their dressing room through club captains, led by José Luis Gayà, clarifying that he had no intention of mocking or disrespecting them.
Rodri deserves credit for preventing the incident from escalating into a bitter feud, taking immediate ownership of the mistake and addressing the key parties directly. Reports indicate he is also considering issuing a public apology subject to Barcelona’s approval, given that he does not maintain active personal social media accounts.
What began as surprise from a player returning to La Liga after seven years at Manchester City—and turned into widespread controversy due to a hot mic—was ultimately defused by a timely, personal gesture that restored respect between both sides.
