Barcelona is experiencing a transition moment with the arrival of coach Hansi Flick, which may represent a new beginning for the young Brazilian striker Vitor Roque.
His agent, André Cury, expressed optimism regarding the new opportunities for the player under the command of the German coach. Cury mentioned Vini Jr. and also criticized the former Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández, who was recently fired.
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New opportunities at the club for the young player
Vitor Roque, 19 years old, was signed by Barcelona at the end of last year, in a transaction that involved 74 million euros (around R$ 410 million), considering the fixed amount, bonuses and taxes;
Despite the high investment and the expectations of the Spanish fans and press, the striker had few opportunities during the season;
He participated in only 16 games, starting in just two occasions, with an average of 22 minutes per match and two goals scored.
What did Cury say?
According to André Cury, Vitor Roque was expecting more playing time under Xavi’s command. The agent mentioned the presence of Robert Lewandowski as a factor that limited the young Brazilian’s opportunities.
“Vitor Roque was expecting more minutes with Xavi. In front of him there is a world-class player like Lewandowski. It cost Vini Jr. two years to adapt. Now, with a new coach, he starts from scratch,” he said in an interview with the Spanish “Rádio Marca”.
Cury also refuted a statement by Xavi, who had argued that Vitor Roque was a player in training and that the intention was not to bring him to Barcelona in December 2023, but to leave him in Brazil to continue his development.
“It is not true that Xavi wanted the player for December. He wanted him earlier. They didn’t let him come in July (2023). I insist, Xavi called him personally,” the agent said.
He was close to leaving Barça
André Cury’s criticism of Xavi is not new. Three weeks ago, the agent made harsh statements about the treatment given to the young striker, suggesting that Vitor Roque should either stay at Barcelona or be sold.
According to information from the Spanish radio station “Cadena Ser”, the Brazilian player was not part of Xavi’s plans, and sports director Deco had considered the possibility of loaning him out.
A new beginning
With Xavi’s departure and Hansi Flick’s arrival, Vitor Roque’s situation at Barcelona may change. The new coach, known for his ability to work with young talents, may offer the Brazilian striker the opportunities he had been expecting since his arrival at the Catalan club.
The expectation is that Flick can better exploit Roque’s potential, giving him more playing time and helping him adapt to European football.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
