Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán has this week made known his disappointment with Barcelona star Rodri.
This of course comes after the summer arrival in Catalunya’s capital sparked widespread controversy with his behaviour on the bench at Mestalla last weekend.
Hauled off by Hansi Flick en route to a 5-0 Barcelona romp, Rodri was caught by the match cameras at the stadium insulting Valencia’s players. The 30-year-old made clear that he was taken aback by Los Che’s collective level, labelling the Blaugrana’s opponents ‘very weak’.
Speaking to the media in the aftermath of Barca’s ensuing win over Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday night, Rodri therefore made use of the opportunity to issue an apology:
”I want to apologise to the fans and players of Valencia. I also called Valencia’s captain, Gayà. A human, when they make a mistake, must apologise. I hope Valencia return to where they belong.”
These words, though, evidently didn’t prove enough to appease the aforementioned Carlos Corberán…
During his own appearance in front of the press on Thursday, Valencia’s headmaster was drawn on Rodri’s apology message. And the tactician did not hold back in his response, explaining:
”For me, they were completely inappropriate words, because I believe they are not words that stem from respect for colleagues in the profession.
“At the moment the incident happened, Gayà took the initiative to have a conversation with Rodri, and he later offered a public apology, which we accept and understand to be the appropriate apology.
“We accept this apology because we understand that it is the least that can be done in response to inappropriate comments or words.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
