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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted that high-profile midfield signing Rodri is still short of the match fitness needed to start in La Liga. The German coach is also dealing with a tactical dilemma over how the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner can function alongside Pedri, leading to internal discussions aimed at clearly defining their roles.

Flick managing Rodri’s fitness

Barcelona kept up their flawless start to the La Liga campaign with an emphatic 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano in a seven-goal contest at Camp Nou. Even after going behind early, the Catalan side displayed the attacking sharpness that has quickly become a feature of Flick’s opening spell in charge, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal both scoring braces as Barca collected nine points from nine.

Even so, despite arriving with a top-class reputation, marquee midfield recruit Rodri again had to make do with a substitute outing. The Spain international is currently following a carefully managed integration process as he works towards full physical sharpness and adjusts to a new tactical framework.

‘He needs to improve physically’

Explaining why his star signing was kept out of the starting XI, Flick spoke frankly about the midfielder’s present fitness levels after his recent move from Manchester City.

“Obviously, he needs to improve physically,” the Barcelona manager said. “We know that because he has just arrived and has only been with us for ten days. But, in the end, for me, how we reacted after the goal is important.”

Flick also pointed to wider team issues that still need attention, especially defensive weaknesses when dealing with quick counter-attacks and set-piece situations.

“As I said in the previous question, we need to control the ball more,” Flick added. “We also have to say that we always talk about ourselves, but we must also talk about the opponent. They played very well. They have very fast players. The way they attacked was good, and of course, they were also good on set pieces, on corners. I think we have to do much better in these situations.”

Solving the midfield overlap

Aside from the immediate fitness issue, an important tactical question has surfaced over Rodri’s partnership with Pedri. According to a report by El Nacional, Rodri recently met Flick to discuss how both midfielders can play together without reducing each other’s influence, and avoid the positional overlap they at times experienced while on international duty with Spain.

Flick has reportedly drawn up a clear plan to get the best out of both players, insisting on a strict division of responsibilities so they do not drift into the same areas. In this structure, Rodri will sit deeper as the midfield anchor to provide balance, while Pedri will have complete freedom to operate between the lines. Rodri is said to be ready to adjust his natural style and rein in his attacking impulses to make the partnership work.

What next for Barcelona?

After three straight wins, Barcelona will now turn their attention to a tough away trip to Mestalla, where they are set to face Valencia on Sunday.

Flick is reportedly convinced that this clearly defined split in duties can turn Rodri and Pedri into one of the strongest midfield pairings in European football. The immediate focus will be on rehearsing these positional patterns on the training ground before Rodri is given his first start. Once the World Cup-winning midfielder is back to full match sharpness, his smooth entry into the starting XI could be crucial to Barcelona’s early title defence.