Spain captain Rodri slams ‘rubbish’ Scotland in explosive TV interview: ‘This is not football’

 

Spain captain Rodri ripped into Scotland's time-wasting tactics and accused them of "not playing football" in a quite remarkable post-match interview.

A brace from Scott McTominay handed the Tartan Army a surprise 2-0 win in their Euro 2024 qualifier at Hampden Park – their first victory over Spain since 1984.

Steve Clarke's side have now picked up two wins from their opening two qualifiers in Group A following a convincing 3-0 win over Cyprus on Saturday.

Many have praised their efforts on the pitch but after Tuesday's nights result against Spain, a far-from-impressed Rodri gave his brutally honest verdict on Scotland's performance.

The Manchester City midfielder told ViaPlay: “It’s the way they play - for me it’s a bit rubbish. It’s always wasting time, they provoke you, they always fall. For me, this is not football.

“The referee has to take a part in this but he said nothing. It’s a bit frustrating because we want to win and it’s difficult because they waste time, waste time. It is what it is.

"They have their weapons, we have our weapons, and we will learn for next time.”

🇪🇸 Spain's Rodri gives his verdict on his side's loss to Scotland

"It's the way they play...for me it's a bit rubbish. Because it's always wasting time. They provoke you. They always fall. For me, this is not football." 🗣️👀#EURO2024 | #SCOESP pic.twitter.com/MIgxOOA2Cl

— Viaplay Sports UK  (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 28, 2023

 Rodri went on to mention the grass at Hampden Park before admitting his side need to "polish" some oversights.

He added: "They played a good game, the grass is no excuse, they have their conditions. The first goal has conditioned us a lot. They they played with five behind, tightly closed. We had options, but the ball didn't go in.

"It is clear that the two that they have had have put them in. We have tried, two posts, one from a very clear set piece. We must polish those oversights, those errors that are expensive.

"The feeling is that it is one of those days that it you're doing well, but it doesn't quite come in. There are no doubts at all, we don't want to start with that please. Many things have been done well.

"The score counts, we have to improve those forgetfulness, specific errors that have penalized us. This is a collective effort."

Here's how social media reacted to Rodri's post-match interview.

One fan commented on the clip, saying: "Sorry Rodri, pal, but you got pumped. Scotland out-shithousing the Spanish is tremendous. McGinn's glutes as a human force field, Porteous patting Gaya three times on the head, Tierney sending Carvajal for his dinner. Loved every minute of it. A performance to be proud of."

A second wrote: "Burst out laughing at this. Spain’s level of petulance and whingeing was embarrassing," while a third said: "This bro has the nerve to say all that after having played for Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid."

A fourth added: "This interview is just the final chef’s kiss on an unforgettable night. Because as any good chef knows, you need to add salt. Plenty of salt."

Even former Scotland international Ally McCoist got involved after the final whistle.

“Bless his wee Spanish heart!” 🤣

“We were a bit too physical for Rodri!” 🤭

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Ally McCoist reacts to Rodri's bitter interview, calling Scotland’s style ‘rubbish’. pic.twitter.com/ZNtDvZPkUT

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 29, 2023

 This isn't the first time Rodri has blasted an international team in his post-match comments. After being knocked out by Morocco in last winter's World Cup round of 16, the Spain midfielder hit out at their tactics.

In fact, he claimed the opposition did "absolutely nothing" and "just waited for counter attacks" before winning on penalties.

"Morocco offered absolutely nothing, without disrespecting them," he said. "'In the game, they did nothing. They just waited for the counters. They stayed behind and tried to counter us."

Thoughts on Rodri's post-match interview?

Let us know in the comments.