Rodri admits shock at Hansi Flick's intense training after Pep Guardiola comparison

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has revealed how surprised he was by Hansi Flick’s rigorous training regime, admitting the German manager's physical demands are "totally different" from the methods of former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Rodri speaking about his experience under Hansi Flick at Barcelona

The Spain international swapped the Premier League for the Catalan giants and expected a style heavily oriented around technical ball retention and tactical positioning. Instead, he encountered an intense physical programme under Flick that caught him off guard.

“Flick is totally different from Guardiola. I thought I came to Barça for rondos and possession drills, but they wore me out so physically that I thought: what have I gotten myself into,” Rodri told COPE.

“I was surprised. Pep was more about the competition giving you the rhythm. Modern football is linked to running. You have to run efficiently, but if you run more you have more options.”

Champions League Ambitions

Beyond the transition in coaching styles, Rodri addressed Barcelona's ambitions in Europe, downplaying suggestions that the Blaugrana should be viewed as front-runners for the Champions League trophy.

“The club has not won it for 12 years and we have to change things. That is why we are getting closer and closer. We are missing the final step,” Rodri added. “It is potentially the club that has the most options, but we are not favourites. The favourites are those who have won it recently.”