Barca's Rodri apologises over Valencia 'weak' comments

What the report says

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologised to Valencia after television footage appeared to capture him making dismissive remarks about the club during Barcelona’s league win over the side from Mestalla. BBC Sport reported that the incident came after Barcelona’s 5-0 victory on Sunday, when Rodri, who had come on after being substituted, was seen talking to teammates Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha on the bench. The broadcaster said it believed the player was heard describing Valencia as “very weak,” though the video had no audio.

According to BBC Sport, the comments sparked criticism from fans and parts of the Spanish media, with some accusing the former Manchester City player of disrespect. Valencia were bottom of the table after four league matches and had yet to win. Rodri said after Barcelona’s Champions League win over Feyenoord that he had apologised directly to Valencia captain Jose Gaya and to the full squad.

He said the remark was meant as an expression of surprise rather than mockery and insisted he had not intended to offend the club. The episode highlights how quickly private pitchside conversations can become public flashpoints in modern football, especially when a club is struggling and a television clip is interpreted as a slight.