Barcelona coaching staff gave derogatory nickname to attacker due to his low level of football: Reports
Podcaster Joan Fontes has claimed that Xavi Hernandez's coaching staff gave Barcelona youngster Vitor Roque a derogatory nickname. Roque was allegedly ridiculed as 'Roquembach', referring to Xavi's former Barca teammate Fabio Rochemback.
The 19-year-old joined Barca in January from Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense but failed to showcase his best level and replicate the performances he had in Brazilian football. He was used sparingly by Xavi last season and has scored only twice in 16 appearances so far.
Rochemback is a former Brazilian central midfielder who played for Barcelona between 2001 and 2003. He made 68 appearances for the club, scoring thrice and providing five assists.
Roque has so far failed to impress and is reportedly edging closer to an exit. La Blaugrana are looking to offload him in the summer transfer window and as per Diario Sport, they are in talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal over a potential transfer.
Hansi Flick plans to use the young striker in pre-season but the Brazilian is not expected to be a regular during the campaign. Barca are reportedly in discussions with Al-Hilal over a loan move with an obligation to buy next season. Roque's short stint at the Catalan club could soon be over.
La Liga club uninterested in Barcelona youngster Vitor Roque: Reports
Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo reports that Sevilla are not interested in signing Barcelona youngster Vitor Roque. The Andalusian club are reportedly not pursuing any kind of deal for the young striker.
A La Liga club and Saudi Pro League sides are understood to be interested in Roque but Sevilla are not among those clubs. Financial aspects of the deal are understood to be the main roadblocks in Sevilla potentially completing a deal.
Roque intends to stay at Barca and prove his worth, however, the staff are not impressed with his quality. Only time will tell if the Brazilian can realize his full potential at the club or elsewhere.