Hansi Flick confirms date for Rodri’s Barcelona debut
New signing Rodrigo Hernandez is poised to make his Barcelona debut against Athletic Club, with Hansi Flick planning to ease the former Manchester City midfielder into action.
Rodri is set to make his long-awaited Barcelona debut against Athletic Club on Thursday, with head coach Hansi Flick confirming that the Spanish midfielder will be given minutes at Spotify Camp Nou.
The summer signing was left out of Barcelona’s opening LaLiga victory over Elche as he continued building his fitness after a shortened pre-season, but he has since trained with the squad and is now ready for his first competitive appearance in the famous Blaugrana shirt.
Flick is expected to introduce the former Manchester City star gradually rather than immediately handing him a starting role, with the German coach keen to manage his workload carefully.
The Barcelona boss also sees Rodri’s arrival as a major boost to his team’s control in midfield and is particularly excited by the prospect of pairing him with Pedri.
Barcelona struggled at times to retain possession against Elche despite their emphatic victory, and Flick believes Rodri’s experience, composure and leadership can help address that weakness.
The midfielder’s debut comes as Barcelona begin their home campaign against an Athletic side expected to provide a much sterner test. Gavi will miss the match after suffering a minor knee problem, although Flick expects him to return within about a week.
Rodri’s first appearance therefore offers Barcelona supporters an early glimpse of how one of their biggest summer signings can reshape the team’s midfield.
