Xavi & Deco: How have Barcelona responded to comments from Vitor Roque’s agent? | OneFootball

An insight into the response on the part of the powers that be at La Liga giants Barcelona to the controversial comments laid out by Vitor Roque’s agent has been forthcoming online.

Andre Cury, of course, grabbed the headlines across all of Spain in the early hours of Monday.

As much came upon the representative sitting down for an interview with RAC1, to discuss Vitor Roque’s situation at Barcelona.

Amid what has proven an altogether underwhelming start to life for the young Brazilian in Catalunya’s capital, his agent did not hold back, in taking firm aim at Xavi and Barcelona alike:

“No one understands why he is not getting minutes. Xavi never spoke to him. This is wrong and I don’t understand this situation.

“He gave minutes to Fermin, Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal but not to Vitor Roque. I don’t understand why.

“Against PSG we needed to score, so why did Xavi not bring Vitor in? Many things have happened that I can’t explain.

“Xavi needs to help Vitor. When you play 300 minutes the whole season, it’s very difficult to gain confidence. The player needs to play and not only the last few minutes.”

Not only that, but Cury went on to confirm that, should the situation not soon improve, Roque will be left with little choice but to seek out a transfer:

“The best thing is for Vitor to stay at Barcelona but if we can’t find a solution for him to play, we will work to go somewhere else. If Vitor leaves, it will only be on a permanent transfer. He will not leave on loan.”

So, just how have such comments been received behind the scenes at Barcelona?

As per a report from Marca, all told, they have had little impact.

Amongst the boardroom and coaching staff alike, the message is an unwavering one – ‘they will not give in to any blackmail’.

Xavi and Deco, in a united stance, have made clear that it will be they, and not any outside sources, who determine the club’s plan for Roque.

The former will not be forced into affording him playing time if he does not see fit, nor will sporting director Deco sanction a permanent sale if a loan is deemed more appropriate.

Barcelona, on the whole, remain firm believers in Roque’s talents, and will not allow a shaky couple of months to dictate plans for such a considerable financial investment.

Conor Laird | GSFN