Ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France, Rodri gave an interview to The Guardian, providing detailed responses on topics such as the team's form, opponent analysis, and Yamal's development. He emphasized that while France is strong, Spain is equally competitive and capable of winning the match.
Regarding my experience watching the game
Rodri said, "I'm not that dramatic. Some games I watch as a fan because those teams are unlikely to be our opponents; other games I analyze. But I'm not there with pen and paper taking notes."
Rodri then added with a laugh, "Well, okay, I might actually be the most exaggerated one."
Regarding the overall situation of this World Cup
Rodri stated, "After 100 matches in this World Cup, we can draw some conclusions: the match ball travels very fast, the field conditions are perfect, and the stadiums are amazing. Most importantly, the four semi-final teams in this World Cup are indeed the four best teams, which is quite rare."
Regarding the other semi-final
Rodri said: "The England vs. Argentina match will be very close, as the two teams have completely different styles of football. However, I'd rather focus on our own game."
Regarding the French team
Rodri stated, "France is one of the best teams in this World Cup; they are in excellent form right now, but so is Spain. We were able to beat them, as we have proven in the European Championship and the UEFA Nations League. France has outstanding attacking capabilities, but I would also like to emphasize their defensive strength. They do a great job defending in the low block, are physically strong, and play very aggressively. We must bring the game to the pace we want."
A match ending 5-4 like last year is very rare, and we can't be misled by that score into thinking this match will turn out the way it actually won't. It would be great if it played like that again, but I don't think it will this time.
We will face a tougher, more difficult team to break down. The World Cup is different from other tournaments, and I'm not sure if a completely open, back-and-forth attacking game is right for us. We must control the game better. It's a huge challenge; our opponents are one of the best teams right now, and we're really looking forward to this match.
Regarding the team's form
Rodri said: "I feel great and I'm very happy to see the team continue to improve, which is very important in cup competitions. As the competition progresses, we are gradually finding our rhythm and are now in a good phase. I see a team that is just as competitive as we were in the European Championship."
When we arrived here, every player was in a different condition and physical state. That's why I've been emphasizing that this will be a very long tournament, and we must 'gnaw' it down bit by bit and gradually become better versions of ourselves.
We are already seeing this change. If we can continue this progress, we will reach our full potential. However, what I want to emphasize most is just how competitive this team is.
Regarding head coach De la Fuente
Rodri stated, "Louis hasn't changed at all. Everything we see today is the result of his gradual construction starting from that time."
Regarding Yamal's growth and pressure
Rodri stated, "When I was 19, I was probably still living in a university dorm. I would occasionally attend small parties, but of course I can't tell you about those things. My life and what Yamal is experiencing are completely different 'movies.' That's life, and that's football, and things aren't always easy."
Yamar showed great maturity during the European Championship. Now he's two years older, and everyone has witnessed his abilities, so he might not surprise us as easily as before. But at his age, two years from now, I'll only be starting out, and I won't even have played a professional match yet.
He's still a child, yet he's already shown such maturity. Of course, there's still room for improvement, such as his understanding of different stages of a match. That's normal, given his age. We all know his current level.
How to help Yamal
Rodri said: "The coach is right, the way to help Yamal is to keep him calm. He needs to alleviate that anxiety and sometimes the urge to show his abilities. He is very important to us both with and without the ball, and he is a very smart kid. However, he is only 19 years old, and there are times in the game when we need to calm him down. He has so much football to show, the key is to find the right time. We hope he can play an important role against France."
Regarding whether Yamal is willing to accept the suggestion
Rodri said: "No, no, not at all, quite the opposite. He's always willing to listen and always wants to improve and mature. He's very good at self-criticism and has very high standards for himself. Wingers sometimes get emotional and tend to stop when they feel the referee hasn't called a foul on them. I always tell him to keep playing and not stop. He's a listener and always wants to learn. He's a role model."
Regarding the captain's responsibilities and locker room management
Rodri stated, "The role of captain is very important. Leadership on the field is crucial, but it's even more so off the field. On the field, my role hasn't really changed much because I always try to lead the team from my position."
Off the field, the captain is responsible for guiding the team in the right direction. When doubts arise within the team, the captain has a duty to keep everyone calm.
I've been trying to absorb what past dressing room leaders did and the different roles they each played. We miss Carvajal and Morata, but I'm trying to pass on what I've learned from them to the team. You try to be close to the players who aren't getting playing time. It's a very personal thing. We've all been through it and know it's part of football.
You can't say too much, but you will support them and keep them involved. Think about how you would want to be treated if you were in the same situation, and treat them the same way. Important players don't necessarily have to start. In the last game, Fabian performed exceptionally well after starting and even scored a goal. Pedri then came on as a substitute and brought the finesse and stability the team needed. Mikel (Merino) is another good example.
Regarding World Cup goals
Rodri stated, "This is the highest honor a person can pursue. This is the challenge we face, and it has only been achieved once in Spanish history."
