In a recent interview, Deco, sporting director of FC Barcelona, addressed one of the most controversial topics of the last season: the arrival of Vitor Roque. According to the executive, the decision to sign the young Brazilian forward was not the main issue, but rather the timing of his incorporation.
The player, who joined the club in January 2024, was seen as a long-term investment by the sporting management. However, Deco pointed out that Xavi Hernández, then head coach of the first team, was the one who pushed for his early arrival, which turned out to be a mistake. "The idea was for him to come in mid-2024, but we opted to accelerate his adaptation process," Deco explained.
Roque's arrival took place in a complicated context for the club, marked by economic restrictions and the need to comply with financial fair play. Despite the expectations, the player's performance did not meet the standards, scoring only 2 goals in 16 matches during his first season. "The demands at Barcelona are extremely high, and if you don't have the right support, it's easy to succumb to pressure," Deco added.
The sporting director also acknowledged that the lack of attention and support from the coaching staff may have influenced Roque's adaptation. "We were not able to help him as he needed," he admitted, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for the development of young talents.
Finally, Deco expressed optimism regarding the club's economic recovery following Vitor Roque's sale to Palmeiras, which will allow Barça to reinvest in new signings. "Despite the mistakes, the club continues to move forward and learn from each experience," he concluded.