Vitor Roque Has Starved For Minutes Under Xavi
Andre Cury, who represents Barcelona attacker Vitor Roque, has criticized manager Xavi for not giving the youngster enough playing time. Cury has even threatened to arrange a permanent move for Roque if the situation does not improve.
Barcelona paid €40 million ($43.02 million) to secure Roque from Brazilian club Athletico-PR. The 19-year-old made his La Liga debut for Barcelona on January 4 in a 2-1 victory against Las Palmas. He scored his first goal for the team at the end of January, helping them to a 1-0 win over CA Osasuna, and followed it up with another goal in a 3-1 victory against Deportivo Alaves.
Despite these performances, Roque has only started two out of the six matches he has played in La Liga. Xavi has kept him on the bench in the last three league games.
Andre Cury Sends Exit Warning To Barcelona
In an interview with RAC1, Roque’s agent Andre Cury called on Xavi to give more opportunities to the young player. Cury expressed frustration at Xavi’s treatment of Roque and stated that a permanent transfer, not a loan deal, would be considered if the situation does not change.
He mentioned (via Fabrizio Romano):
“No one understands why Xavi doesn’t play him and doesn’t even speak to Vitor, it’s not right.
“We will discuss his future with Barça soon. He will not leave on loan. If he leaves, it will be on permanent transfer.”
Cury also emphasized:
“It would be nice if he played some full matches. Xavi must show confidence to an important asset of the club…
“He wants to show his quality. Look at Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid, it took two years and half to see his quality… let Vitor play.”
He further stated:
“It’s not logical to sign a Brazilian international, bring him here and start playing him from the first day – then another game and then no more…
“Then he scores two goals and then… disappeared. Xavi does not even talk to the boy.”
Roque’s current contract with Barcelona runs until June 2031. However, if Xavi continues to overlook him, it is likely that Barcelona will terminate his contract before then.
