Barcelona sporting director Deco defended his decision to sign Brazilian striker Vitor Roque last January, responding strongly to criticism aimed at both him and the player. Roque was quickly loaned out to Real Betis after a difficult six months at Barça.
Roque has since flourished at Betis, scoring five goals and securing a starting position under manager Manuel Pellegrini. He has openly expressed his desire to remain with the club following a challenging spell in Catalonia.
During an interview with Mundo Deportivo>, Deco addressed Roque’s signing and his time at Barcelona, vehemently pushing back against what he perceives as “ugly” and “evil” attacks on him and the player.
“He’s doing well; he’s scoring goals. Since I’ve been with Barça, I can’t recall such a harsh attack on a young player, as if it were coming from an external force, just like it happened with Vitor Roque. Such nasty and ugly criticism. I don’t know where it originates, whether it’s directed at me or the club. However, I believe there hasn’t been such a strong personal attack on an 18-year-old kid, something truly evil. He was attacked intensely, without reason or sense. Vitor Roque has been deeply hurt, and it’s been incredibly difficult for me to see him suffer and see how he’s bounced back, navigating this tough time.
“He has definitely suffered a great deal. I’m really happy for him that he’s playing at Betis, scoring goals, and rediscovering his joy in the game. He’s a young man with tremendous potential who will continue to grow. But I can’t recall an attack like this one.
“[He didn’t cost €60 million], he cost €30 million plus variables that haven’t been fulfilled, which is normal because we haven’t won any titles yet, and he hasn’t played the required percentage of games… I don’t think it’s due to the price. He did contribute when he arrived in January, even though he was injured before joining. Perhaps he wasn’t fully prepared upon arrival and immediately went to play in Barbastro and Saudi Arabia without a proper plan. I believe this was a truly ugly attack, but he will recover and demonstrate his immense talent.
“Vitor’s original plan was to come this season, and if registration wasn’t possible through fair play regulations, to be loaned out for a year so he could gain valuable minutes. He arrived in January because the coach requested it due to Gavi’s injury. He isn’t responsible for coming in January. If fair play restrictions had been in place and since he wasn’t among the priority players for registration, we would have sought a loan opportunity for him so he could continue developing at a club in La Liga or another league. That was the plan.”
What’s your opinion on Deco’s response, Barça fans?
# Deco Defends Vitor Roque Amidst Criticism Following Striker’s Tough Stint at Barcelona
The arrival of Vitor Roque at FC Barcelona was met with excitement and high expectations. The young Brazilian striker, hailed as one of the most promising talents in world football, was tasked with bolstering the club’s attack and spearheading their quest for trophies. However, his initial months at Camp Nou have been marked by a string of uninspired performances, leading to growing criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Amidst this scrutiny, Deco, Barcelona’s director of football and a club legend himself, has stepped forward to defend the struggling forward. The former midfield maestro emphasized the need for patience and understanding, highlighting Roque’s immense potential and urging supporters to give him time to adapt to his new surroundings.
## Navigating the Pressure Cooker: The Challenges Facing Roque
Roque, at just 18 years old, has been thrust into a high-pressure environment. The weight of expectation at Barcelona is enormous, and adjusting to the physical intensity and tactical demands of La Liga requires time and acclimation.
Several factors might be contributing to Roque’s struggles:
* **Language Barrier:** As a young player adapting to a new culture and language, communication can pose a significant obstacle on and off the pitch.
* **Squad Integration:** Establishing chemistry with teammates and understanding their playing styles takes time. Roque is still learning the nuances of Barcelona’s intricate attacking system.
* **Adapting to Defensive Tactics:** La Liga defenses are notoriously robust, and Roque may be finding it challenging to break through compact and organized backlines.
## Deco’s Rationale: A Plea for Patience and Perspective
Deco’s stance on Roque’s performance stems from a deep understanding of the pressures faced by young players stepping into the spotlight at Barcelona. He emphasizes several key points:
* **Developing Potential:** Roque possesses raw talent and an undeniable eye for goal. His performances may not be consistently brilliant right now, but Deco believes his potential is immense and that he will blossom with time and experience.
* **Avoiding Unnecessary Pressure:** Public criticism can be detrimental to a young player’s confidence and development. Deco urges fans to temper their expectations and allow Roque the space to grow without undue scrutiny.
* **The Long Game:** Building a successful career at Barcelona, or any top club for that matter, is a marathon, not a sprint. Roque’s journey will undoubtedly have its ups and downs, but Deco is confident in his long-term prospects.
## The Impact of Deco’s Words: A Ripple Effect
Deco’s public defense of Roque has had a positive impact on the young striker and the team environment. By offering words of support and encouragement, Deco has demonstrated faith in Roque’s abilities and created a more supportive ecosystem for his development.
The message resonates with fans as well. Many supporters who were initially critical have softened their stance, recognizing that patience is crucial for Roque’s growth.
| Impact on Roque | Impact on Fans |
|——————-|——————–|
| Increased confidence and self-belief | More understanding and supportive attitude |
| Reduced pressure to perform immediately | Willingness to give Roque time to adapt |
| Feeling of belonging and integration within the team | Recognition of his long-term potential |
## Looking Ahead: Roque’s Potential at Barcelona
While the initial phase of Roque’s Barcelona career has been challenging, there are reasons for optimism. He possesses the raw talent and attributes that can make him a formidable force in attack. With time, support from experienced figures like Deco, and consistent opportunities to showcase his abilities, Roque has the potential to become a true star at Camp Nou.
The journey ahead will undoubtedly be filled with both triumphs and setbacks, but Vitor Roque’s story is one worth following closely.
