The Spanish midfielder says the squad’s collective effort and the willingness to play for each other rather than for themselves is our main strength, after Pep Guardiola declared his side will need to be prepared to suffer if we’re to beat Thomas Tuchel’s men.
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City’s already successful 2020/21 campaign has been characterised by the togetherness of the team, with everyone playing their part in a memorable campaign.
And on the eve of what is arguably the biggest game in the Club’s history, Rodrigo says the importance of that cannot be underestimated.
“I think the key in this team is the fact that we don’t play for a specific player, we play for the team,” he explained.
“We play collective football. Everybody is responsible for attacking and defending. I think that is the key to our success. We are all part of the success of the team.
“As a team, we learnt how to win. I think the group, the team, is our main strength.”
Whilst City go into the game as Premier League champions, fourth placed Chelsea have had the upper hand in our recent encounters.
The London outfit inflicted an FA Cup semi-final defeat on Guardiola’s side last month and followed it up three weeks later with a last gasp win in the league to delay our title celebrations.
Rodrigo is under no illusions as to the size of the task at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao, but the midfield anchorman does not feel our previous two meetings will have any bearing on the outcome of the final.
“I think like any other final, it’s a game that is going to be decided in the small details,” he added.
“We don’t think about the previous results against them. It doesn’t matter in a final.
“We need to be true to ourselves, but we are aware they are one of the most difficult teams we have faced this season.
“They are a very strong team, a very complete squad and they have improved a lot with the arrival of Thomas Tuchel.
“They are in the Champions League final for a reason. We expect a very tough opponent and a game that is going to be decided in the small details.
“I think the key will be playing our game, keep our identity.”
They are the principles which have worked to wonderful effect this season.
In a season like no other City have excelled and with the league and Carabao Cup already wrapped up, Rodrigo says European glory would complete an unforgettable campaign.
“It’s a privilege to be at this stage,” said our No.16.
“I wish every end of the season was like this, going from success to success. We are in the most important moment of the season, we have won two trophies in the last month.
“I think the team has been amazing in the last few weeks, winning the Carabao Cup first and later on the Premier League. Now we have the challenge of the Champions League final.
“We are very happy, but we have one last task to wrap up an incredible season for us.”
