Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, more commonly known in the football environment as Rodri, is the central midfielder currently moving the strings of the Spanish national team in the 2026 World Cup. A Madrilenian by birth, Rodri also possessed a strong Argentine link that proved helpful in his career development. He celebrated his 30th birthday on 22nd June, an event that occurred during the Copa del Mundo.
Rodri received coaching for one season from Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid. During this period, according to the player’s own statements, he learned to “be bad.” This particular phase of his career took place before his transfer to Manchester City, where he would be managed by Pep Guardiola, another coach who made a significant mark on his professional trajectory. While at the English club, Rodri shared a changing room with two Argentine footballers: Sergio Agüero and Nicolás Otamendi. The Spanish player directly experienced the “Albiceleste gene,” facing challenges and enduring teasing from both Agüero and the defender Otamendi. This teasing specifically targeted his attire and his video call conversations with his wife, Laura Iglesias.
Simeone’s Lessons: Embracing a Different Edge
Rodri was initially formed within the youth categories of Atlético Madrid. However, at the age of 17, he made the move to Villarreal as a youth player, primarily because he did not have a place at the Colchonero club at that time. Nevertheless, in mid-2018, by which point he was 22 years old, Rodri returned to Atlético. During this stint, he was directed by the Cholo Simeone, and Rodri maintains a fond memory of that time.
In a letter that was published on The Players Tribune website, the Spanish midfielder shared his reflections on that specific year. He commented that in Villarreal, he was “very good with the ball in his feet,” but acknowledged he “still lacked something of technique.” With Diego Simeone, Rodri stated he “learned what it means to be the bad guy.” He elaborated on this by saying he learned “to be a bit of a bastard on the field,” and to “enter with strength.” Furthermore, this lesson involved learning to “make the opposing team suffer during 90 minutes,” which Rodri identified as “another important lesson” he gained.
Guardiola’s Tactical Vision and City’s Argentine Presence
Just a single year after his return to Atlético, Rodri was bought by Manchester City. There, he was to be directed by another of his significant influences, Pep Guardiola. Rodri spoke about the Spanish coach, mentioning: “For me, the singular thing about Pep is that he always goes one step ahead. He always evolves before the game around him can do so.”
Within the Manchester City dressing room, Rodri spent one season coinciding with Nicolás Otamendi. He also spent two seasons with Sergio Agüero. Rodri openly admitted that he idolised Agüero from his childhood, recalling when he used to watch him play for Atlético de Madrid. He specifically stated: “When I had 12 years I used to go to see Agüero in the training ground when he was in the Atlético. It was one of my idols.” Rodri then described his experience of sitting “just to his side in the dressing room” as “incredible.”
Dressing Room Dynamics and Personal Routines
In England, the Argentine players, Agüero and Otamendi, were described as “implacable.” They frequently teased Rodri regarding his manner of dressing, which was noted as “very normal for football players.” They also made fun of the conversations he conducted via video call with his wife, which would occur immediately after matches. This practice of video calls was a routine for the Spanish player, necessitated by the geographical distance they maintained. Rodri specifically recounted a memorable instance related to these post-match calls.
He explained the first time this occurred, Agüero and Otamendi took him aside. They directly told him: “Man, you cannot talk like this on the bus! Pep can hear you! Everyone can hear you!” This anecdote provides insight into the unique dressing room environment Rodri experienced. The challenges and teasing from the Argentine duo formed part of his immersion into the “Albiceleste gen.”
Rodri’s career showcases a distinct learning curve shaped by contrasting coaching philosophies. From his initial development in Atlético Madrid’s youth system, through Simeone’s lessons in tactical aggression, to Guardiola’s forward-thinking approach at Manchester City, his journey has been influenced by a diverse range of footballing figures. His time at City also immersed him in a lively dressing room culture, notably with his Argentine teammates.