Barcelona journalist raises questions over Rodri’s first-team place: ‘Can’t play 60 matches in a season’ | OneFootball

Rodri may not be the automatic starter many expected him to become at Barcelona, with journalist Quim Domenech claiming Hansi Flick’s coaching staff do not believe the midfielder can handle a full season as an ever-present player.

Notably, the comments, made on El Chiringuito TV, do not question Rodri’s ability or his importance to Barcelona’s midfield. 

Instead, the concern centres on his physical capacity to play at maximum intensity across an entire campaign.

“I’m not sure Rodri will be a regular starter at Barça,” Domenech said.

“The coaching staff are convinced he can’t play 60 matches in a season,” he added.

Barcelona already planning Rodri’s workload

Rodri’s arrival naturally created the expectation that he would become one of the first names on Barcelona’s team sheet whenever available.

Rodri may not be an automatic starter at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, Domenech’s information suggests the reality could be different. 

The coaching staff is reportedly approaching the midfielder with workload management in mind rather than expecting him to play virtually every match.

That is understandable considering his most recent knee injury.

Barcelona will have fixtures across La Liga, the Champions League, Copa del Rey and the domestic Super Cup, while Rodri’s international commitments with Spain add another pressure to an already demanding schedule.

The midfielder has previously spoken about the physical and mental demands of playing an enormous number of matches during his time at Manchester City, including the need to protect his body.

Flick’s staff therefore appear to be taking a longer-term view of his involvement.

Rodri’s fitness matters to Barcelona

Barcelona are cautiously managing Rodri’s workload. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

For what it is worth, Barcelona invested heavily in bringing one of the world’s leading defensive midfielders to Catalonia, and his value is likely to be greatest when he is physically fresh for the matches that matter most.

That means Rodri could be protected in selected fixtures rather than being treated as an automatic starter regardless of the opponent or competition.

It also changes the way Barcelona’s midfield depth should be viewed. 

If Rodri is deliberately rotated, Flick will need other midfielders to take responsibility during those periods rather than relying on the Spain international to carry the position throughout the season.

Fortunately, the German manager has no shortage of options, especially in midfield.