Bayern Munich’s Marc Roca eager to prove himself under new coach Julian Nagelsmann

After arriving from Espanyol, Bayern Munich newcomer Marc Roca had to spend most of the 2020/21 season on the bench. Being exposed to a completely different and a highly demanding system, the Spain International lacked the preseason training as well as the required skillset to break into coach Hansi Flick’s starting-XI.

Nonetheless, the limited playing time doesn’t seem to have dampened Roca’s spirits and the Spaniard remains determined to prove his qualities under incoming coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Speaking on Sport1 podcast ‘Meine Bayern-Woche’ (as captured by twitter account @iMiaSanMia), Christian Wein (Roca’s representative) has made it clear that his client has no intention of leaving the club at the end of this season.

Roca himself remains eager to improve and develop into a starting-caliber player. “I’m here to learn, improve and work to be important for the team,” the 24-year old recently said in a ‘1v1’ talk on FC Bayern TV (as captured by Tz). “I have played more than 100 games in La Liga. So I already have experience of how to lead and support a team.”

Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Roca further went on to explain why he prefers to fulfil the role of a ‘#6’ or deep-lying playmaker in midfield. “My favourite position in midfield is offensive as well as defensive, because I want to be involved the game a lot and I love to read and organize the play.”

In Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, Roca has two competitors who are among the best midfielders in Europe. However, the former Blanquiazules man reiterated that he sees this competition as an opportunity to grow as a player.

“There is always competition and that is good for us to improve”, said Roca.