Hansi Flick came down from the cloud to Barcelona with Rodri: announced a decision that disappoints

Hansi Flick has confirmed that new signing Rodrigo Hernández, known as Rodri, will not play in Barcelona’s Liga opener against Elche on Sunday. The decision leaves fans disappointed, as the midfielder, who joined the club for a potential fee of €76.5 million (£69 million), was expected to make his debut earlier. Instead, Flick plans to wait until Thursday’s match against Athletic Bilbao before including Rodri in the squad. The German coach emphasized that Rodri is fully focused and ready to contribute, stating during a press conference ahead of the Elche game that the player’s return to action is a priority. “Our intention is that he will be with the team on Monday,” Flick said. He praised Rodri’s leadership qualities and personality, calling him a “fantastic player.” The former Manchester City star, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, had been linked with both Barcelona and Real Madrid before joining the Catalan giants. Despite his high-profile transfer, Barcelona continues to seek a forward, having parted ways with Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Flick did not reveal who will start up front against Elche, though he highlighted the promising performance of 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim. The young forward scored four goals in friendlies, and Flick described him as a “nine” with great potential. “He’s doing a really good pre-season,” the coach added. Other players such as Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, both wingers, could also play centrally as false nines, alongside Raphinha and Dani Olmo. Flick also noted that Joao Cancelo is available for the trip to Martínez Valero, praising the Brazilian’s technical skills and passion. “He’s ready to play,” the coach concluded. Rodri’s move to Barcelona was the result of careful consideration, with the player ultimately choosing the Catalan club over Real Madrid. During his official presentation, he explained that Barcelona represented the ideal destination for his career. “Barcelona has always been a reference for me because of how it understands football and the values it represents,” he said. “I had another option, but Barcelona was my first choice.” At 30 years old, Rodri is concluding a successful chapter with Manchester City, where he helped win multiple titles. After winning the World Cup with Spain in 2026, he decided it was time for a new challenge. His arrival at Barcelona marks a significant shift in his professional journey, and he has expressed admiration for the club and its supporters. Fans have welcomed his addition, hoping he can bring the same impact he had at City to the Nou Camp.