Vitor Roque’s story at Barcelona hasn’t started as expected, as the forward had little playing time this term and has already been linked with a possible loan move next season.
Rivaldo, who shone in Catalonia between 1997 and 2002, questioned coach Xavi Hernández for the lack of opportunities given to the young striker.
“I think Vitor Roque has lacked opportunities. They have given very few minutes to a player who has excelled in the Brazilian championship. He is very young and has not had the necessary opportunities to show his football,” Rivaldo told Betfair.
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Roque’s future at Barça next season up in the air
The former attacking midfielder, who won the Ballon d’Or while at Barça in 1999, believes that “Tigrinho” should have had more minutes since his arrival in Spain in January: “Sometimes this happens. He hasn’t had opportunities and now they think the player won’t be useful for the club, so they will look for a transfer. I think Barcelona didn’t know how to give him more opportunities and he is a good player, he has a future.”
Rivaldo: "Vitor Roque has not had enough chances. They are giving only a few minutes to a player who had excelled in the Brazilian league." pic.twitter.com/Cs4klSYWfe
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) May 6, 2024
Roque signed for Barcelona last year. Even though the original agreement with Athletico Paranaense was for him to join Barça in July 2024, his arrival happened sooner at the request of Xavi and sporting director Deco. The question many ask now is why they wanted him this season if he’s spending most of the time on the bench.
“From the outside, I don’t know exactly what happened and I don’t know what his day-to-day life is like in training to see if he deserved an opportunity. But we know what he did at Athletico Paranaense and how he shone in the Brazilian league. I don’t know if it was a lack of opportunities or if he didn’t show it in Barcelona’s training sessions and that’s why he didn’t have the chance,” Rivaldo added.
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 first four episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
