Unlucky Marc Roca sets an example against Hoffenheim

Not Jamal Musiala, but Marc Roca!

Hansi Flick surprised on Saturday afternoon by choosing the Spanish newcomer to replace Leon Goretzka (Corona quarantine).

So far Roca has hardly played a role at FC Bayern, on 18 Bundesliga match days he only played 21 minutes on Saturday. Against TSG Hoffenheim (4-1), the 24-year-old showed a decent and almost flawless game.

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“It is important that he played. He showed that he can enjoy possession of the ball. He did a good job and sent a good message,” said Flick.

Will Roca go from being unlucky to become a permanent replacement for Goretzka?

He missed the decisive penalty for Bayern at the Cup in Kiel, but Flick made it clear at the time to support the newcomer.

Roca celebrates starting line-up debut for Bayern in the Bundesliga

Flick kept his word and now places Roca at Joshua Kimmich’s side. Espanyol Barcelona’s € 9 million newcomer (contract until 2025) had good ball conquests, was happy to run and distributed many balls.

Roca played unspectacularly, but safely. On the other hand, his quota of duels can be expanded with only 50 percent won duels. After 70 minutes he was substituted for Jamal Musiala, Flick gave him a warm hug.

It is quite possible that Roca can count on significantly more missions in the future. Goretzka is symptom-free, but is unable to do so for the time being because he has to stay in quarantine on Thursday after his positive corona test.

Corentin Tolisso, the actual number three in midfield headquarters, was absent against Hoffenheim due to muscular problems and is likely to have sidelined himself with his unauthorized visit to the tattoo studio during the pandemic.

The Bavarians sanctioned him for this with a heavy fine. In any case, the Frenchman is considered a sales candidate. Jamal Musiala is currently only coming from the bank.

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Salihamidzic praises newcomer Roca

The chance for Roca!

Sports director Hasan Salihamidzic Sky: “He’s a player who can move well in narrow spaces and who can resolve these situations well. He became European champion with the Spanish U21s and led the boys to the title, we have full confidence in him.”

Flick now demands one thing above all from Roca: stable performance! “He has to keep it up now, keep at it, train well and always look to improve,” said the 55-year-old after the final whistle: “It is also our task as a coaching team to make the team better and better step by step every single player. “