Marc Roca aims to win Club World Cup, hopes for David Alaba’s contract extension at Bayern Munich

Good things come to those who wait and Marc Roca’s case at Bayern Munich is certainly a testament to the saying. In an unfortunate turn of events, three of the Bavarians’ first-team midfielders, namely Leon Goretzka, Corentin Tolisso and Javi Martinez, have been sidelined for the time being. For newcomer Roca, however, this has presented a golden opportunity to showcase his calibre.

Speaking on the radio channel of Spanish newspaper Marca, Roca touched on a range of topics. Currently undergoing integration in coach Hansi Flick’s team, the former Espanyol player remains as jubilant as ever to be a part of the best club in the world, something he has iterated on numerous occasions.

During the interview, he was asked to comment on center-back David Alaba’s reported departure. If the rumours are to be believed, the Austrian has reached an agreement to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a four-year contract in the summer. Roca, however, hopes that Alaba continues to remain as Flick’s defensive-boss beyond this season.

“We want Alaba to stay with us,” the Spaniard replied. “I hope Real Madrid don’t take him, that he stays with us for a long time. He is a great defender and full-back. He is helping us a lot this season and I hope he continues for much longer.”

Speaking on the subject of his mentors, Roca was full of praise for Flick’s midfield constants Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich. “Goretzka and Kimmich are spectacular,” the U21 Euro winner said. “They have given me a hand and helped me in everything I need, they are leaders. On the pitch you can see that, I’m looking forward to playing alongside them”

The 24-year-old also spoke highly of Die Roten bigwig Robert Lewandowski. Currently on a run of streak where he breaks records whenever he sees the field, the 31-year-old Pole continues to maintain his status as the best player in the world, something Roca has also agreed upon.

“For me, Lewandowski is number one right now. He would’ve won the Ballon d’Or, the season he’s had is spectacular. He doesn’t miss a beat in training either,” he remarked.

After facing Hertha Berlin in their upcoming Bundesliga clash, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners will travel to Qatar to participate in the Club World Cup, next week. It will be Bayern’s second-ever appearance in the tournament, and Roca and his teammates are eagerly awaiting the chance to complete the prestigious sextuple.

“We don’t feel the pressure, although we’re looking forward to it,” the Spaniard told Marca, before stating that the team’s focus at present is on the approaching match with the Berliners. “We haven’t talked much about it, we are thinking about the game we have on Friday against Hertha Berlin. After we’ve played in Berlin, we’ll focus on the Club World Cup to try to win the title and the sextuple.”

With Goretzka and Martinez recovering from COVID-19 infection, it is likely that #MullerMafia ally Roca will be handed the opportunity to start alongside Kimmich in the tournament.