Rodri warns Barcelona not to underestimate Real Madrid: ‘They can’t fool us’

· MadridUniversal

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has issued a warning ahead of El Clasico, insisting that Real Madrid remain a formidable opponent regardless of their current form. The Spain international, who was linked with a move to Los Blancos during the summer before joining Barcelona from Manchester City, will face Jose Mourinho’s side in Sunday’s meeting at Spotify […] The post Rodri warns Barcelona not to underestimate Real Madrid: ‘They can’t fool us’ appeared first on Madrid Universal .

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has issued a warning ahead of El Clasico , insisting that Real Madrid remain a formidable opponent regardless of their current form.

The Spain international, who was linked with a move to Los Blancos during the summer before joining Barcelona from Manchester City, will face Jose Mourinho’s side in Sunday’s meeting at Spotify Camp Nou.

Rodri’s comments come after a transfer saga that saw Real Madrid pursue the midfielder before he opted to join their fiercest rivals.

Mourinho subsequently confirmed that Real Madrid had made Rodri an attractive offer but that the player’s doubts had influenced his own assessment of the potential deal.

What was said?

Now preparing to face the club he could have joined, Rodri believes his experience of playing against Madrid gives him a clear understanding of their strengths.

> “Can Real Madrid trick their opponents into thinking they are weaker than they really are?

> “They can’t fool us, or at least they won’t fool me.”

He also dismissed the idea that Los Blancos can be judged simply by their recent performances, stressing that their reputation and quality make them dangerous opponents.

> “I’ve faced Real Madrid many times over the years, and I know their players very well.

> “I’m fully aware that they are good at making their opponents believe they aren’t at their best.

> “But the truth is that Real Madrid remain a dangerous and formidable opponent, regardless of their form or the circumstances they find themselves in.”

Rodri highlights Mourinho’s mentality

Rodri’s familiarity with the Spanish capital’s biggest club, having faced them in the Champions League several times as a Manchester City player, could help him prepare his teammates tactically, but experience alone will not guarantee that the Catalans can control the contest.

Real Madrid will arrive at El Clasico determined to impose their own game, with Mourinho seeking a result against Barcelona in one of the season’s most significant fixtures.

Rodri recognises that Barcelona will need more than confidence to secure victory.

Emphasising the standards he expects from his teammates, the midfielder revealed that he had already delivered a direct message to the dressing room.

> “I always try to get a clear message across to my teammates.

> I told them, ‘If we want to beat them, we have to give our very best, because there is no room for complacency when facing Real Madrid,’” he noted.

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