Valencia were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid at Mestalla, with goals from Federico Valverde, Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé leaving Javier Aguirre's side in the relegation zone. The result added to the pressure on a team still waiting for its first home league victory of the season.
“The feeling is anger, because we wanted to get something from the game and have lost again in our own stadium,” Rodríguez said. “We want to get out of this situation as quickly as possible. The stadium is full for every match, and that is the most important thing. We have to work to give our people some happiness.”
The midfielder insisted the players would not give up, pointing to the Copa del Rey and the forthcoming international break as opportunities to regroup.
“We have the Copa del Rey match, and we have to compete in that. We have to work during the break, keep coming together and bring intensity to training,” he said. “We are not going to give up. We have to take responsibility for the situation and for what is expected of us.”
Rodríguez also questioned the decision that preceded Madrid's opening goal, although he acknowledged that he had not yet watched the incident again.
“Speaking in the heat of the moment, without seeing the images, I think we started well. Mayol had a very clear chance, and I scored a goal that was ruled offside,” he said.
“Then there was a situation where the referee thought it was a foul, but he goes into him with his shoulder. From the set-piece, they scored, and that changed the game.”
The Argentine was also asked about an incident involving players in the tunnel at half-time. He played down its significance, suggesting it was simply a brief exchange between the individuals involved.
“I arrived late. There were one or two words exchanged, but those things stay on the pitch,” he said.
Rodríguez's message was ultimately one of collective responsibility. Valencia must find a way to turn their performances into results, with the midfielder urging his team-mates to remain united rather than allow the difficult run to define their season.