Vitor Roque talks Raphinha, Araujo, Felix, Cancelo, Lewandowski, Xavi, new manager

Winter signing Vitor Roque has assured that Barcelona can still defend their La Liga title this season if they continue to win their remaining matches.

Speaking in an extensive interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Brazil forward shared his thoughts on several aspects, including his adaptation in Catalonia, players who have helped him during this period, suggestions he has received from Robert Lewandowski and more.

The 18-year-old started off by explaining that the football played in his country and in Spain is very different and he is trying to learn the gaps.

“They [Brazil and Spain] are different countries, different football and I am trying to learn as much as possible from the players on the field and in the locker room and this is making it easier for me to adapt,” he said.

The young forward then added that Barcelona is exactly how he imagined it.

“Yes, it is the biggest club in the world, it is a dream to be here and I am very happy about everything that is happening.”

Friends before the move

Barcelona have a few South American talents within their ranks and Roque revealed that he did chat with the likes of Raphinha and Ronald Araujo before travelling to Catalonia.

“[The club is] Even bigger. They always talked to me a little, but when I walked in here and saw everything, it was a dream. It is a dream come true.

The 18-year-old then added that the likes of Raphinha, Araujo, Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo have helped him during his adaption.

“Raphinha, because he is also Brazilian, Araujo, Joao Felix and Cancelo because they are Portuguese, are helping me a lot.”

The Barcelona locker room happens to be one of a kind as it contains veterans like Lewandowski, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen and youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. Amidst all this, Roque said that his adaptation is happening quite swiftly. 

“Yes, it helps a lot. I try to learn as much as possible from those who have more experience, but also from young people, from whom I also have a lot to learn. And that helps, both on the field and in the locker room.”

Dreams of winning La Liga and UCL

Given the permutations, it is extremely difficult for Barcelona to win La Liga this season, but Roque says that if the team continues to work on achieving the goal, winning the league title is quite possible.

“Yes of course [we can win La Liga]. We have to start winning, winning and winning the remaining games, there are still a lot of games left. If we are focused and continue working, we can certainly win it.”

Upon asking how long can Barcelona progress in the UEFA Champions League, he added,

“We are certainly going to try, working with humility to go as far as possible.”

On Lewandowski and future managers

Before coming to Barça Roque confessed his admiration for Lewandowski and while speaking about the veteran, he said,

“Yes, he is an incredible player, like everyone in the locker room, he is a player who has made football history. I try to learn as much as possible from him, he always has the will to work, when the training ends I go with him and try to follow in his footsteps to learn as much as possible.”

Upon asking if the Pole has given him any advice, he added: “Yes, he tells me that I am still very young, to rest assured because I have a bright future ahead of me.”

It is to be noted that Xavi was quite keen on working with Roque but soon after his arrival, the manager announced that he would leave at the end of the season.

“We were sad for him in the locker room, but we are certain that we will do our best for him and for ourselves until the end of the season,” said Roque.

“It is difficult, but Xavi told us that he is going to continue until the end of the season and we have to work for him and win all the games, until the end of the season we are together and we want to win titles.”

Given the situation at hand, several names have been linked with Barcelona’s managerial role and when asked if there is anyone in particular he would like to work with, Roque said,

“No, we are here to help Barça as much as possible to win and be champion, each game we have to work with humility with Xavi and work for him.”