IN SPORT.ES
“It was a complicated year, but I’m sure that this will make us stronger in the future, we’re Barca and we’ll always fight for everything!”
With these words Riqui Puig sealed the season after defeat by Celta Vigo at the weekend. He was speaking about Barca but it also works as a reflection on his own season. He’s still fighting his battle and is determined to triumph at Barca.
He came on against Celta and showed great enthusiasm.
It was clear Ronald Koeman didn’t believe in him this season, inviting the playmaker to go out on loan, but he did not want to.
Early in the campaign, he accused Riqui of leaking information. The coach also didn’t like the way he trained, saying he’s not doing enough to convince him.
The 4-2-3-1 left RIqui with fewer options to play, with Koeman seeing him only as capable of playing as a 10. That’s competing with Messi, Griezmann, Coutinho and Pedri.
He played his first game in October against Getafe, three minutes. Then 25 against Dinamo Kiev in late November.
In the cup he had more time but still intermittent. 46 against Cornella on Jan 21, 68 against Rayo on Jan 27, 44 against Granda on Feb 3, five against Sevilla on March 3.
There was one great moment. The semi-final of the Super Cup. Jan 13. Barca’s clash with Real Sociedad went to penalties and Koeman was looking for takers. Riqui asked for one. Koeman was surprised, but he took it and scored.
It was a moment when he won over many for his bravery, including Koeman.
After that he became used more. Koeman said he was training better.
However, Ilaix Moriba started to get involved. The youngster is less anarchic on the ball and more physical.
Since March, Riqui has only played 66 minutes in La Liga. Three against Osasuna, five against Huesca, five against Real Sociedad, three against Valladolid, five against Levante and 45 against Celta. 66 out of 1080 possible.
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His future is again being discussed. If it’s Koeman in charge again, it seems he will not be useful. If it’s Xavi, perhaps then he will find some more time on the pitch. Either way, Riqui’s intention is not to move anywhere.