Rodri's critical words and swift apologies split Barcelona

FC Barcelona midfielder Rodri Hernández publicly apologised on Sunday after a video of his critical remarks about Valencia, recorded on the bench at Mestalla, was broadcast; he had shouted to the Spaniard “They are really very bad, huh?” when Barcelona won 0‑5.

Critical remarks during 5‑0 victory

The Catalans won childishly easily at Mestalla with 0‑5. When the score was 0‑3, coach Hansi Flick substituted Rodri after about an hour, after which the Spaniard shouted “Very weak” about Valencia.

On the bench, Rodri spoke with teammate Pau Cubarsí and called the Valencia players “very weak” and “they are really very bad, huh?”. The midfielder then asked how Valencia had finished the previous season, to which Cubarsí replied that they were “close to the European places”.

Movistar Plus Deportes recorded the exchange and posted the footage on X, where it was viewed more than a million times before it was removed. The broadcast caused an immediate stir among fans and media.

Quick apology and aftermath

Rodri then called Valencia captain José Luis Gayà to explain his remarks and offer his apologies. He stated that the words were made in a private setting and that he never intended to insult the players.

The Barcelona player, who this season arrived from Manchester City for around seventy million euros, has so far played three matches for his new club. As captain of Spain he knows Gayà from the national team and emphasized that the statements were not representative of his attitude.

The contrast between the raw criticism on the pitch and the swift, personal apology shows how private banter in the digital era can quickly grow into a public controversy, with immediate consequences for the relationship between the clubs.