Rodri’s Barcelona future raises questions as Hansi Flick weighs workload plan

Barcelona’s blockbuster summer signing Rodri is already facing questions over his role in Hansi Flick’s plans, with the club’s coaching staff reportedly unconvinced that the midfielder can start around 60 matches in a season.

The report, published on Thursday, claims Flick and his staff intend to manage Rodri’s workload rather than make him an automatic starter in every important fixture. As a result, the Spain international is expected to share the holding midfield position with Marc Bernal, with the pair potentially receiving broadly equal playing time.

Rodri’s arrival at Barcelona was regarded as one of the biggest deals of the summer. The midfielder had appeared to be heading for Real Madrid, but Barcelona completed the signing in a move that was celebrated both as a major sporting achievement and as a symbolic victory over their longstanding rivals.

The transfer also carried particular significance because Rodri had been named the best player at the most recent World Cup. His decision to choose Barcelona was reportedly influenced by the club’s style of play, which he considered a closer match for his qualities. He was also keen to join several Spain team-mates with whom he has developed strong relationships.

However, Rodri has made only two La Liga appearances so far. He played about 20 minutes against Athletic Bilbao and then featured for a similar length of time against Rayo Vallecano. Despite that limited involvement, the signs suggest he is expected to become a regular starter once his fitness and match sharpness improve.

The programme El Chiringuito has now reported that Rodri is not necessarily viewed within Barcelona as an indispensable first-choice player. The club’s internal concerns are understood to centre on whether he can cope with an entire campaign as a starter, rather than on his ability or importance to the team when fully fit.

Rodri underwent a minor back operation during the summer, which understandably disrupted his preparations for the new season. That setback has contributed to the cautious approach surrounding his return and his gradual introduction to competitive football.

Questions over his physical condition, though, did not begin after the operation. Doubts about Rodri’s fitness had reportedly been raised before the World Cup and were already part of discussions surrounding the Spain national team.

That background makes it reasonable to expect Flick to rely most heavily on the experienced midfielder in major matches, while using Bernal in less important La Liga fixtures. Bernal is regarded as Rodri’s successor both at Barcelona and with Spain, and he has already been given opportunities early in the campaign.

The proposed arrangement would allow Barcelona to preserve Rodri for the most demanding games while continuing Bernal’s development. It also reflects the coaching staff’s belief that the club may need two players to share responsibility for the position across the season.

Rodri’s status is therefore not in doubt in terms of his long-term importance to Barcelona, but his workload is likely to be carefully controlled. The club’s immediate priority appears to be ensuring that his return from back surgery is managed without placing unnecessary physical demands on him.

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