Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has spoken about Rodri Hernandez’s condition after the midfielder made another substitute appearance in the club’s 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
The 30-year-old Spain international was introduced in the 64th minute at Barcelona’s home ground, with the Catalan side leading 3-2 at the time. It was Rodri’s second successive match in which he had been brought on during the second half rather than named in the starting line-up.
Flick addressed the midfielder’s situation after Barcelona’s win, explaining the decision to use him from the bench as the club continues to manage his return to action.
Rodri’s latest appearance came during a dramatic contest in which Barcelona eventually secured a three-goal victory. The score remained finely balanced when he entered the match, but the home side went on to add two further goals and finish 5-2 winners.
The midfielder had also featured only after half-time in Barcelona’s previous game. Flick has therefore opted against selecting Rodri from the outset in each of the player’s first two recorded appearances in this sequence, instead introducing him as the match progressed.
Barcelona officially announced the signing of Rodri on 18 August. The Spanish midfielder joined from Manchester City in a deal worth 60m euros.
Rodri arrived at Barcelona as a world champion and one of the most prominent additions to the club’s squad. His arrival from Manchester City represented a major move for the 30-year-old, but his involvement since joining has so far been limited to second-half outings.
Flick’s comments focused on Rodri’s current condition, with the manager’s selection decisions showing that the midfielder has not yet been used from the first whistle. His latest contribution came with more than 25 minutes remaining, as Barcelona sought to protect and then extend their advantage against Rayo Vallecano.
The victory gave Barcelona a 5-2 result at home, while Rodri’s appearance provided him with another opportunity to build his involvement after joining the club. For a second consecutive match, however, Flick chose to bring him into the game after the interval rather than start him.
Barcelona’s acquisition of the former Manchester City player was confirmed on 18 August, when the club announced the arrival of the 30-year-old for 60m euros. The midfielder’s current role has since been a subject of attention, with Flick offering an update on his condition following the win over Rayo Vallecano.