Can hope for Spain nomination
Marc Roca was under contract with FC Bayern for two years, but only played 24 games in which he was on the pitch for an average of 41 minutes. The Spaniard was unable to assert himself in Munich’s midfield under either Hansi Flick or his successor Julian Nagelsmann. More than a year after leaving for Leeds, the 26-year-old, who is now on loan for Real Betis, still looks back positively on his time at FC Bayern, with whom he won the championship trophy twice and the Club World Cup.
“It was two years in which I learned and absorbed a lot, in which I improved every day, trained with the best and, above all, psychologically, never gave up,” summarized Roca in the “Marca” interview. “Most importantly, I think I improved myself day by day by being far from home, although maybe I didn’t get the minutes I wanted.”
Despite only 974 minutes on the pitch, Roca is satisfied with his performance in the Bayern uniform. “I think that when I had the chance to play, I showed that I could be there. If you don’t end up playing, it’s because the coach is using other players, but definitely not because of my level, because I think I showed my level when I was on the pitch,” he said in October 2020 Midfielder signed by Espanyol Barcelona for 9 million euros, who Bayern sold to Leeds United two years later for a plus 3 million.
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“I left with a feeling of gratitude because I learned a lot and proved to myself that I can keep up,” emphasized Roca, who was waiting for a regular place in England. The Spaniard played 36 games for the Whites (one goal), but he was unable to prevent relegation from the Premier League. Nevertheless, he enjoyed every second in Leeds. “I felt very connected to the club from the first moment. “It didn’t turn out the way we wanted, but I really enjoyed it the whole time,” said Roca.
Marc Roca “felt very comfortable” at FC Bayern and Leeds
For him, “it was three years in which I grew brutally personally, physically, humanely and in terms of football,” Roca emphasized, referring to his time abroad, and he “felt very comfortable” in both England and Germany. After Leeds’ relegation, he didn’t see his loan to Real Betis as a necessity (…), but as a natural step that came about, says Roca. “Betis was a team I really wanted to join. It’s true that I’ve been in contact with them over the past few years, but in the end, for whatever reason, it didn’t happen.” He followed the Verdiblancos a lot, “I like their style of play.”
Roca quickly adapted this to the Europa League participants and was in the starting line-up in eight of nine games this season. “The truth is that from day one I was welcomed into a very familiar group where I feel at home and that is something to be grateful for,” said Roca. “I think that transfers to us and that’s how we feel on the field. This helps us to perform well, to always be in a good mood and to have that security and trust that is so important.” He already believes that the change was “the right decision”. “I have no doubt that this was the decision I had to make.”
Ex-Bayern professional Marc Roca can hope for his first Spain nomination
The performances could earn Roca a nomination for the Spanish national team for the first time on Friday – the ex-Bayern professional has already made it onto coach Luis de la Fuente’s provisional list of 49 names. “I think I’m ready for this moment. I don’t know if he will come or if he won’t come. “I’m not tense at all, I’m very calm,” said Roca. “It is a decision that the coach has to make. When it’s my turn, I’m ready to do my best. Because I think I do my best week after week.”
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Roca knows the national coach very well; he played seven times for the Spanish U21 under de la Fuente and won the European Championship in 2019. An advantage? “Naturally. I think that ultimately it’s good when a coach knows you,” admitted Roca. “He knows what I am like as a person and player. This gives him an advantage to make a decision. (…) He must like my style, but Luis knows me, I know him, and that is always an advantage.”
Roca is not yet worried about what will happen next for him after the season. “The most important thing is to enjoy the moment, try to be the best version of myself to help the team and be ready,” he said. If Leeds – currently in sixth place in the Championship – do not win promotion, Real Betis should have the option to extend the loan for another year. “If God wants them to be here for many more years, then they should be here for many more years. If it’s not meant to be, it won’t be. But as I said, I’m very happy, very satisfied, I enjoy everyday life, that’s the most important thing. And then the future will show.”
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