Barcelona midfielder Rodri says the club should not be regarded as favourites to win the Champions League, despite Hansi Flick’s side producing some of the strongest form in Europe.
Barcelona have scored 21 goals and conceded only four in their past five games in all competitions, a run that has led many to identify them as the leading contenders for the trophy.
They are third in the Champions League league phase, behind reigning champions PSG and Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich. Barcelona moved into that position after beating Feyenoord 5-1.
However, Rodri has rejected the expectation that Barcelona are currently the team most likely to win the competition.
Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the 30-year-old said: “The Champions League is possible, but I don't think we are the favourites.”
Rodri did, though, make clear that he believes the trophy is within Barcelona’s reach and remains an important target for the club.
“I clearly see it as a possible title, and it is, if you can put it that way, that remaining step for us to establish ourselves and show Europe the nature of the team we represent,” he said.
The midfielder also urged Barcelona to remain aware of the work still required before they can be considered genuine Champions League winners.
“From this standpoint I don't think we are the favourites, because we must understand where we came from, and understand what it takes to be champions, and this team still needs to correct several things to become champion,” Rodri added.