Rodrigo Hernandez, Barcelona’s marquee signing of the transfer window, has played down the Blaugrana’s tag as Champions League “favourites”, though he insists they remain firmly in contention.
In a preview of an interview with ‘Mundo Deportivo’, the recent World champion weighed up FC Barcelona’s European prospects: “It is an achievable title and, so to speak, the definitive step we must take to establish ourselves and show Europe what kind of team we are.”
“Beyond that, I do not think we are favourites. We have to understand where we come from and what it takes to become champions, and this squad still needs to refine a few things to reach that level. The Champions League is not about who is the best; it is a competition of moments and of understanding when those moments arise,” explained Rodri.
The midfielder maintained that continental triumph demands a steep learning curve: “It is closely tied to experience. Before you win, you have to lose and you have to learn, and those of us who have won major honours know that all too well. I played in the Champions League countless times before I was finally able to lift the trophy.”