In a stunning twist, Joan Fontes has revealed that when Vitor Roque arrived at Barcelona, Xavi’s workers initially warned that they’d signed a participant who may not meet expectations, referring to him as a ‘bust’.
Regardless of this inner concern, the membership publicly promoted the narrative that Xavi and his workers have been passionate about Roque’s potential.
Internally, Xavi’s workers gave Roque the nickname ‘Roquembach’. This was a playful however telling reference to Fabio Rochemback, a former Brazilian participant who had performed alongside Xavi at Barcelona and was recognized for his subpar efficiency.
This nickname hinted on the teaching workers’s doubts about Roque’s skills from the beginning.
La Masia gamers have been in shock to see Roque
Moreover, from the angle of La Masia, the place Barcelona’s future stars are groomed, there have been instant considerations about Roque’s technical abilities.
Gamers and coaches noticed deficiencies throughout coaching classes, which solely strengthened the preliminary doubts.
Vitor Roque by no means slot in at Barcelona. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Including to the complexity of the state of affairs, a journalist was inspired by the membership to jot down positively about Roque earlier than his arrival.
This manipulation of public opinion was additional difficult when, months later, the identical journalist obtained proof of the fee paid for Malcom’s switch. This coincidence raised eyebrows and prompt a sample of questionable practices.
Xavi was at all times towards Roque
It should be famous that Xavi himself was reportedly towards signing Roque. The choice to carry Roque to Barcelona in January was made solely after Gavi was sidelined for the rest of the season with an ACL harm.
Xavi was looking for a participant to help or substitute for the ageing Robert Lewandowski, but it surely quickly turned clear to the teaching workers that they’d been misled about Roque’s potential.
At the moment, there are rumours of curiosity from main European golf equipment, however the membership appears extra inclined to promote Roque to the Saudi Arabian market.
This transfer is pushed by a need to steadiness the membership’s funds and create room for brand spanking new signings. Roque’s switch charge was thought of extreme, and there’s a rising demand for accountability relating to the choice to carry him to Barcelona.
