Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setién, Ronald Koeman, Sergi Barjuan, Xavi… In recent months, coaches have succeeded one another on the sidelines of FC Barcelona. And the observation is always the same for Riqui Puig (22), very often, if not almost always, screwed on the bench. Last season, Ronald Koeman made it clear to him that he was not counting on him, but the local child had chosen to stay. Result: 2 small tenures only in La Liga.
With the departure of the Dutch technician and the arrival of Xavi on the bench at the end of 2021, the pocket midfielder hoped to see his situation evolve. And if he was established in Mallorca (0-1, 19th day of the championship) and Linares (1-2, King’s Cup), he must be content with crumbs the rest of the time. Once considered the last nugget from La Masia, the Spanish Espoirs international (4 caps) saw the new guard – Gavi, Nico Gonzalez among others – toasting him without asking for his rest.
It won’t get better this summer…
Lately, we have heard more about his exploits on Tik Tok and his autograph on a piglet at the end of training than his successful performances on the ground. To make matters worse, the Blaugranas are already preparing their recruitment campaign and have targeted the arrival of a midfielder as a priority, with Ivorian Franck Kessié (24, AC Milan) and young Spanish hopeful Pablo Torre (18). , Racing Santander) in a good position on their shelves.
Suffice to say that the horizon of the native of Matadepera is increasingly reduced within his training club, with whom his contract expires in June 2023 (release clause set at 100 M €). For the time being, the young man has always refused to throw in the towel, convinced of being able to succeed with his Barça, with whom he has been evolving since he was nine years old. This summer, Riqui Puig will undoubtedly have to make up his mind if he finally wants to launch his career and take off this label of disappointed hope.
