Barcelona coach sees new signing as a boon to the team; will not rush his integration

Barcelona coach sees new signing as a boon to the team; will not rush his integration Three games in and Barcelona have appeared quite cautious with regard to their new signing Rodri. The Spanish midfielder has yet to start a game for Barcelona, even as other World Cup stars Pedri and Lamine Yamal have already become key fixtures in the starting eleven. There is a chance Rodri might start this afternoon as Barcelona take on Valencia at the Mestalla, in the fourth game of the season. Hansi Flick not rushing things Rodri is in contention to start vs Valencia. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) A recent report from El Pais has offered some interesting insights into Barcelona’s handling of Rodri, adding that coach Hansi Flick is in no hurry to rush the midfielder into the club’s plans. Despite playing just 53 minutes across two substitute appearances, Rodri has already won over both the coaching staff and the Camp Nou faithful, with supporters already chanting his name during home matches. Flick, for his part, is thoroughly impressed. The German has been spotted staying behind after training sessions to discuss tactical details with Rodri. The pair reportedly spending time on the Tito Vilanova pitch talking about Barcelona’s pressing and the coach’s desire for midfielders to shoot more from distance. “We are all very happy that he plays with us; he is the perfect player for Barça, for our philosophy and for the way we want to play football,” Flick said upon Rodri’s arrival, and that sentiment has only grown stronger. Building chemistry with Pedri Flick will not rush Rodri’s integration. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) One of the more fascinating subplots surrounding Rodri’s integration involves his relationship with Pedri. According to El Pais, there was initially some sensitivity from the Barcelona midfielder, stemming from their time together with the Spanish national team, where Rodri’s presence made Pedri feel his starting spot was under threat. Those closest to the situation suggest Pedri was uncomfortable sharing the midfield with him during the World Cup. Flick, however, sees the partnership as one of Barcelona’s greatest assets. “I’m looking forward to seeing them play together at Barça. They will be at a top level,” the German said. Away from the pitch, the process of bonding has already begun, with the players’ respective partners spending time together socially, a quiet but significant step towards building the chemistry Flick craves between his two most talented midfielders.