In a two‑decade career, Pedro Rodríguez (39) rose from Barça’s B team to become a club legend, later joining Chelsea in the Premier League and finishing in Italy with AS Roma and Lazio. He amassed 25 trophies, including a World Cup and a European Championship with Spain. In his Mundo Deportivo interview he revisits two quirky stories with Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova and details his painful Barça farewell under Luis Enrique.
What was Pep Guardiola’s top piece of advice?
Guardiola mentored me from the academy days, treating me like a project he wanted to polish. He called me the week before the Champions League final at Wembley, asking bluntly, “Ready for the final or scared?” I answered confident, and he replied, “Press every ball, push forward, look for the goal when you can.” His faith was huge, and I think I delivered.
What do you remember about Tito Vilanova and his impact?
Tito was a spectacular, honest, loyal soul in football. Living through his illness was heartbreaking for all of us. He taught me more than tactics; he guided me personally when I was a youngster in the B squad with Guardiola. I recall him telling me one day, “Pedro, you’re not scoring at all, I have to give others a chance.” I answered, “Sure, coach, I’m sorry for the poor show.”
Closing the Barça era with Luis Enrique – another football fanatic?
Enrique is a winner’s mind, always upbeat and hungry. He squeezes the best out of his squads, as proven by titles everywhere he goes. In my view, he got the most out of me at Barça B and later, demanding everything in training and matches.
I’ve been lucky to be coached by idols I admired as a kid, like Guardiola and Luis Enrique. Both are natural leaders whose mindset and communication rank them among the world’s finest.
My departure stemmed from circumstances. Barça was my favourite club, yet opportunities dwindled, so we agreed a new challenge was best.
Was that moment tough?
Extremely. I loved Barça, felt at home in the locker room, and my family was rooted in Barcelona. Moving abroad was hard, but it also helped me grow as a person and player. Will you see him return to Catalonia someday?