Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez told the press that playing for Barcelona and Girona were different challenges ahead of their clash on Saturday, with a thin veil separating him from clearly pointing to why Oriol Romeu’s signing has not been as successful as they might have hoped this season.
With Eric Garcia and Pablo Torre on loan at Montilivi, and Romeu signing for Barcelona from Girona last summer, Xavi explained that difference in demands had been clear to see of late.
“The context changes at Barca. It is not the same to play for Girona as for Barca. It is easier to play for Girona than Barca. This is in evidence and we have seen it in some footballers. At Girona you play calmer. When you talk to Eric, he tells you that he plays more freely than in a big club like Barca.”
Touching on Romeu specifically, Xavi denied that the pressure had gotten to the 32-year-old, who started their first seven games of the season, but since has been used sparingly.
“I don’t think that was it. He started well. Then he had some physical problems and we had to protect him throughout the season. And then, it’s about performance. Here the competition is fierce, I have opted for other players and it is true that he has played less than I expected.”
Xavi: "Fermín is a great discovery, we saw it in 2-3 training sessions. We liked him, he's dynamic. He is a Barça-level player."
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 3, 2024
It is widely believed that Romeu will be on his way out of Barcelona this summer, and Girona have even made it clear that they would have him back if a deal was possible. Meanwhile Xavi and Michel Sanchez both confirmed that Eric Garcia would be on his way back to the coast in the summer. Given Barcelona have been heavily linked with Girona captain Aleix Garcia though, Xavi’s words would no doubt indicate they are less likely to pursue him.
