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It debuted, passed and flew!
Marc Roca experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in his starting XI for FC Bayern in the Champions League.
Espanyol Barcelona’s new 9-million-dollar signing played 66 minutes alongside Leon Goretzka in Bayern’s central midfield. The Spaniard, who turned 24 on Thursday, made an acceptable start against the brave Salzburgers (3: 1), proved to be a solid ball dealer at moderate speed, and in many matches he was the first to put his toe on the ball (Champions League table).
Then he stepped on Zlatko Junuzovic’s foot and saw yellow. A little later he found the former Bremer at the bottom again: dismissal! Roca left the place, pulling his hair and getting angry.
Flick takes protection from Roca
“You can be satisfied with your very good Champions League debut,” praised Hansi Flick after the match. The coach added: “He is disappointed with the yellow-red card. After the yellow card he was a bit impetuous and came too late. The referee punished him directly. The yellow-red card was unnecessary.
Rock has to come down!
In his more than an hour of assistance, Roca showed that he dominates the game with the ball. His passports were plain and simple, and he avoided glasses. However, it was noted that he still has to get used to Bayern’s fast play. In distress, the seven-time Spanish under-21 international struggled more often. (Results and calendar of the Champions League)
Flick didn’t want to talk about what exactly he still has to work on. “I’ll talk about it with him personally,” said the 3s coach.
Rock has to get in line
One thing is clear: Roca remains the backup behind Leon Goretzka and the failed Joshua Kimmich (meniscus surgery) and Corentin Tolisso (thigh problems). Javi Martínez should also continue to be preferred in defensive midfield in close games, as long as no one is out in the last four.
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It will not be easier for Roca in the future, because the Bavarian domain is decided in the center. Therefore, Kimmich’s failure is noticeable after a few weeks.
Roca, with a contract until 2025, has only played 214 minutes this season. You have to fight hard for more.
