Hansi Flick explains why he let Vitor Roque leave Barcelona ahead of Real Betis clash
Manager of Barcelona Hansi Flick he explained that he felt it would be more beneficial for Victor Roque to leave the club in the summer after he arrived. Roque joined Real Betis on loan this summer, but the Verdiblancos have an option to buy 50% of the player's rights at the end of the season.
Roque spoke at length about his struggles at Barcelonaand the feeling that he was not wanted or trusted. He currently has five goals in 18 appearances for Betis this season but has become a regular under Manuel Pellegrini.
Hansi Flick on the #ClubWorldCup2025: :
“I can't change. We're not here and well, at the end of next season, I also think about my players who already have a heavy physical load. Maybe it's good for them to rest more. We'll have one more pre-season long. to prepare them”. #Boat pic.twitter.com/FfsZ8SMjJq
— Football España (@footballespana_) December 6, 2024
Flick was asked if he was concerned about the 18-year-old returning to haunt Barcelona.
“No, I believe in my players, every team has good players, it's like that, and it's the same in Real Betis. So we have to take care of that, and defend well, with the whole team, as a unit. Of of course, do well and wait.”
“I think he didn't have the best situation when he arrived in Barcelona. I spoke with him sometimes, when he was there, I felt that he was not happy, so I think it was the right decision for him to start with another team . It's good for him. I'm happy for him. It's a good thing.”
As one of the few South American managers at the highest level in Europe currently, Flick was also asked for his thoughts on his opposite number on Saturday at 16:15 CEST, Real Betis manager Pellegrini.
“He is a coach with a lot of experience and knows how to get the most out of his players. His teams always play great football and love to have the ball and he knows how to convey confidence to the player,” said Flick of Pellegrini.
Flick: “Araújo? He will not be ready for tomorrow. Maybe against Dortmund, but our goal is for him to be with us against Leganés. Ansu and Christensen? We expect to see at the end of the year.”
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 6, 2024
Barcelona will face a tough ask against Betis at the Benito Villamarin on Saturday, which kicks off at 16:15 CEST. Betis are notoriously strong at home, which they showed with a win over Atletico Madrid. Outside of the Copa del Rey, the Verdiblancos are on a streak of three consecutive losses.
