Flick sees Rodri’s influence on Bernal after Barcelona’s 5-0 win at Valencia

Hansi Flick says Marc Bernal can learn a great deal from Rodri Hernandez after Barcelona’s dominant 5-0 victory away to Valencia on Sunday.

Rodri Hernandez made his first start for the Catalan club in the match at Mestalla, playing until the 62nd minute. He was then replaced by Bernal, who took over in midfield for the remainder of the game.

Flick discussed the relationship between the two midfielders after Barcelona produced a convincing away performance. The Barcelona head coach believes Bernal has a valuable opportunity to develop by observing and learning from Rodri’s experience.

The change came with Barcelona already in complete control of the contest. Rodri Hernandez began the match in the starting line-up and remained on the pitch for 62 minutes before making way for Bernal.

For Bernal, the appearance provided time alongside a player Flick regards as an important example in midfield. The manager’s comments focused on the possibility of the younger player benefiting from Rodri’s knowledge and approach to the position.

Barcelona’s victory maintained their perfect start to the La Liga campaign. After four matches, the club have collected 12 points and sit at the top of the table.

The five-goal success at Valencia was the latest result in a strong opening run for Flick’s side. Barcelona travelled to face Valencia and returned with all three points after scoring five times without reply.

Rodri Hernandez’s inclusion from the beginning was one of the notable features of the match. It was his first start for Barcelona, and his contribution lasted until just beyond the hour mark, when Flick introduced Bernal.

The substitution also brought the two midfielders into direct sequence during the game, with Rodri starting and Bernal replacing him. Flick’s assessment afterwards underlined the educational value he sees in that connection.

Barcelona now lead La Liga with 12 points from four games. Their 5-0 win over Valencia leaves them at the summit as the competition continues.

The result and the midfield change provided the context for Flick’s remarks about Bernal and Rodri. While Rodri Hernandez occupied the starting role at Valencia, Bernal followed him into the match in the second half, giving the young midfielder the chance to learn from a player whose example has been highlighted by the Barcelona manager.