Xavi explains why Vitor Roque was left on Barcelona bench for entirety of Copa quarter-final

An explanation for Vitor Roque’s lack of minutes during Barcelona’s showdown with Athletic Club on Wednesday has been forthcoming late tonight.

The subject of frontman Roque’s situation in Catalunya has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines once more over the last couple of hours.

This comes after the January arrival at Barcelona, amid what has proven an understated start to life in Spain, was left on the bench for the entirety of the 120 minutes at San Mamés.

Even with his side having been searching for an all-important goal on their way to an eventual 4-2 defeat, Blaugrana boss Xavi felt it best not to call on Roque.

Speaking to the media on the back of proceedings coming to a close in San Sebastian, the Spanish tactician, in turn, was asked for an insight into the reasoning behind his call.

And Xavi went on to point towards rotation amongst his young attackers, as well as Marc Guiu’s ‘directness’, as the central factors:

“Vitor Roque entered the last match and today came Marc Guiu. We intended to look for a more direct option.”

He continued:

“Vitor is very young, he will have minutes and will continue to be important. I believe he is a player who has qualities that can help us a lot.”

Conor Laird | GSFN