The Blaugrana started their LaLiga campaign on Sunday against Villarreal, and Roberto thinks they are well prepared.
Sergi Roberto crossed his fingers for Messi that he’d stay
Sergi Roberto, Barcelona’s utility man, believes Ronald Koeman’s clarity helps create a robust new side ahead of the new season. The Blaugrana started their LaLiga campaign on Sunday against Villarreal, and Roberto thinks they are well prepared. “Koeman makes us work very hard,” Roberto told reporters. “The training was very long, but it went well.” The coach tells us things clearly, and that’s good for the team. I support him and all our players”. Lionel Messi remains at Barcelona, and Roberto is happy about this fact. “I couldn’t see us without him,” he said. “I crossed my fingers so that he’d stay. He trained very well, and I do not doubt that he will always give 100 percent for the shirt. “One person who may not be at the Camp Nou this term is Riqui Puig, but if he does stay then, Roberto urged the youngster to use his opportunity.
Riqui Puig should take advantage of his opportunities
“This season is going to be very long, and no one knows what will happen,” the 28-year-old said. “If Puig wants to win things with Barcelona, then he should take advantage of his opportunities when he gets them.” Luis Suarez is another on the way out of Barcelona, and Roberto believes he will strengthen rivals Atletico Madrid, where the Uruguayan is said to be headed. “The president and the coach make decisions about who goes or stays,” he said. “But Suarez has given us so much over the past few years, and his departure will make Atletico much stronger.” As for his future, Roberto is one of the Barcelona captains who is already looking ahead.
“I would never have thought that I would be Barcelona captain at 28,” he said. “It is the club of my life, but I would like to try MLS or another European league before I retire.”
Roberto also gave his opinion on Bayern Munich’s infamous 8-2 thrashing last season of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. “It was hard to forget that,” he said. “It was such a huge blow for us. We all had the worst summer, and it made me not think about football.”