Barcelona midfielder Rodri said he believes the club has a realistic chance of winning the Champions League this season but insisted they are not the favourites and still need to improve key areas.
Speaking about the team’s prospects in Europe’s premier club competition, the Spanish international stressed the need for further progress.
“Yes, of course I think it’s possible. It’s that final step we need to take to establish ourselves and show Europe the team that we are,” Rodri said.
“I don’t think we are the favourites. We have to understand where we’re coming from and what it takes to become champions. This team still needs to improve several things before it can become champions.”
He described the Champions League as a tournament decided by critical moments rather than overall superiority.
“I don’t think the Champions League is a competition about who is the best team. It’s a competition about moments and understanding how to deal with those moments. If you ask me whether we have a chance of winning it, yes, that’s why I came here.”
On the areas requiring improvement, Rodri pointed to discipline and consistency in knockout stages.
“It’s about controlling those moments that can decide a knockout tie. Red cards, penalties and perhaps not giving away more than you should. These are the things that determine whether you go through or get knocked out.
“Sometimes it’s better to be a little less impressive offensively but be more consistent and solid. The teams that have managed to win it have shown that.
“But that also comes with experience. I’ve always said it: before you win, you have to lose and you have to learn. Those of us who have managed to win important trophies know that.
“I played in the Champions League many times before we were finally able to win it. Through those experiences, you learn, and players continue learning year after year.”
