Barcelona midfielder Rodri Hernández has found himself at the center of a storm of criticism after cameras caught him making disparaging remarks about Valencia’s performance during the Catalan side’s 5–0 victory at the Mestalla.
The World Cup winner made his first start under Hansi Flick, delivering an assist and putting in a commanding display in midfield before being substituted in the 62nd minute with Barcelona leading 3–0.
Upon taking his seat on the bench alongside Pau Cubarsí, Rodri remarked regarding the Valencia players: “They are so weak,” before reiterating his harsh assessment: “They are so bad, man… they are really bad.”
The former Manchester City star did not stop there, asking Cubarsí where Los Che finished last season and expressing surprise upon learning they ended near European qualification spots, adding: “They didn’t even cross the halfway line in the second half.”
The incident caused heightened sensitivity because the Mestalla crowd had given Rodri a round of applause as he was subbed off, acknowledging his role as captain of the World Cup-winning Spanish national team, before cameras from the show El Día Después revealed his private bench discussion.
Prominent Valencia-centric broadcaster Álex Silvestre criticized the Spanish international, stating: “Rodri has deeply disappointed me,” arguing that while such statements might come from a frustrated supporter, they are inappropriate for a Barcelona player who had just received a warm reception from the opposing fans.
The leaked footage sparked wide debate; while some viewed it as merely a blunt assessment of a game completely dominated by Barcelona, Valencia supporters felt labeling the team as “very bad” crossed the line into a direct insult toward a historic club.
The controversy compounded Valencia’s woes on a night that ended in a 5–0 thrashing and left them bottom of the table, while Barcelona secured their fourth consecutive win to sit alone at the top of La Liga with 12 points.
