FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez recently confirmed during a pre-match press conference that he did not intend for Vitor Roque to join the club. Roque, a forward from Athletico Paranaense, arrived in Catalonia at the beginning of 2024 in a transfer deal that could potentially exceed $60 million. However, Roque has seen limited playing time under Xavi, who expressed that the player is not at the desired 'Barca level.'
Xavi explained that the original plan was for Roque to continue developing in his homeland, but circumstances changed due to injuries to other players. Despite the current situation, Xavi emphasized that Roque is still in the developmental phase and there are other players ahead of him in the squad.
Reports suggest that Roque may not feature in the team's plans for the 2024/2025 season, hinting at a possible loan move. Xavi, who initially planned to step down in June, will now lead the team in the upcoming term. When asked about the team's goals for the next season, Xavi mentioned the need to strengthen the squad and focus on immediate objectives, such as securing a second-place finish and potentially qualifying for the Spanish Super Cup.
Xavi also addressed the financial challenges faced by the club, highlighting the need for stability and time to compete effectively. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the current economic landscape of football, which differs significantly from previous eras where coaches had more control over transfers. Xavi reassured fans that despite the constraints, Barcelona remains committed to competing at a high level and urged supporters to understand the complexities of the club's situation.
Overall, Xavi's statements shed light on the club's strategic decisions regarding player development, squad planning, and financial considerations as Barcelona navigates through a period of transition under his leadership.
