‘It wasn’t in the plan for Vitor Roque to come in January’ – Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has told the media that Vitor Roque is still growing as a player, and that he does not understand the debate over his lack of game time. The 19-year-old Brazilian is out of contract in the summer.

Ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Almeria, Xavi was asked to explain why the club, given the financial situation, spent €30m on a player who is barely playing.

“That’s how we planned it. We hadn’t planned for him coming so soon, we planned it for the summer, so he could continue learning as a player. Then we decided it was for the best for the club and for him, we had the chance to bring him in because of the injuries to Gavi and Balde, so that he could train, get to know the club and his teammates, and then compete with his teammates.”

“The debate, for me, I don’t understand it. He is learning. There are footballers ahead of him, who are in better conditions, and that is why he plays less. These things have happened all my life.”