Manchester City star Rodri told La Gazzetta dello Sport that Spain were ‘the best national team as a collective’ at the World Cup in Qatar.
The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder was called up by Luis Enrique for the tournament in Qatar and he’ll be hoping to shine as La Roja take on Costa Rica in their first group game today. Rodri is an experienced international, having appeared in all but one of Spain’s games at Euro 2020, but this will be his first World Cup, having missed out in 2018.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rodri first spoke highly about Spain’s level when discussing the favourites for the World Cup.
“The usual names that everyone says, but if I have to be honest I think that collectively we are the best. The strength of the squad is our great weapon.”
He explained how La Roja show that they’re strong on the pitch and what gives him confidence for this tournament.
“In the way we understand the game and what Luis Enrique asks for, in the ability to defend and attack as a unit, compact. In the unity of purpose that leads us to be the best national team as a collective, even if we are not individually.
“And since I have long been convinced that the collective always prevails over individuality, I see us well, very well. And we have another advantage, many of us have won something at youth level with the national team.
“For years we have been breathing a certain type of football, we have grown up with certain ideas, with coaches with a very similar profile. When you get to the senior national team you are already ready, the integration is easier, because certain things are innate.”
The 26-year-old midfielder commented on how the human rights issues surrounding the World Cup.
“Yes, I’ve seen. But we play football and we are not the best people to comment on such serious and sensitive issues. We have eyes and a head, but we are here to play and for me the most important thing is respect for everyone who comes here to watch the games.”
He gave his thoughts on Spain’s first group opponents Costa Rica.
“We know little, but we start with an important assumption, we play the same way against any opponent. In the group we have three teams from three different continents, Costa Rica, Germany and Japan, and it’s a big test for us.
“The thing we focus on most is how to attack each opponent, because our idea of football is clear, it only varies how we can best impose ourselves on the rival, because Germany, Costa Rica and Japan defend with different weapons.”
Rodri suggested it was easy to transition from working with Pep Guardiola to Luis Enrique.
“Yes. The philosophy is the same, the style very similar, high pressure as the defence, control of the game and the ball, each with their own variations. Adapting is easy.”
He touched on the differences between his role for Manchester City and his role for Spain.
“It depends not only on the coaches you have but also on the teammates around you.
“Thinking about City and the national team, if you play with a Haaland you cross more, if you don’t have such a powerful striker and you have players with other characteristics you play more low and with the ball at your feet.”
The 26-year-old spoke about his ability to adapt to a more advanced role in the midfield.
“I can adapt well as Fernandinho did before me at City or Fabinho in an emergency at Liverpool, and further back there is the case of Mascherano.
“The two positions are similar, when you play at the back you just have to remember that you are last but the substance doesn’t change much, especially if you play in a team with a high defence. You end up in a very similar position.”
Finally, Rodri gave his thoughts on Spain coach Luis Enrique.
“The coach is a brave guy, I’ve never seen anyone like him. But it is working well because he is a very nice and sincere guy, and people appreciate him, he has an incredible following.
“He’s got a great sense of humour, there are times when he’s presenting matches it’s impossible not to laugh, and he’s outgoing, lovable, chatty, very good at creating a great environment in the team.
“And then of course if he has to say something he says it to you, without mincing his words or prevaricating. If he has to push he pushes, I can say that from personal experience. And he has created a collective full of confidence.”
Typical Spanish arrogance, as bad as Barcelona.