Marc Roca
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Re: Marc Roca- SIGNED
Welcome Marc to the greatest football club.
Re: Marc Roca- SIGNED
Just having watched a highlights reel (yeah, I know) of Roca, I am coming more on-board with his signing. He has lovely footwork and an amazing ability in tight spaces to screen the ball and find outlets. Plus, he makes incisive passes through the centre. Of course, the highlights are not premier league so pinch of salt and all that.
But anyhow, I can kind of see the plan and how it would fit together with him playing with a DM (Phillips or A.N.Other), and then Aaronson plus out and out attacking midfielder (please let it still be Raph). Would link up very well with Gelhardt and also Paddy who I think actually does better from balls that come to him from more narrow angles during counter attacks rather than the byline.
All this to say, I'm a bit more optimistic about the signing as long as he can keep up with the pace and physicality of the PL.
But anyhow, I can kind of see the plan and how it would fit together with him playing with a DM (Phillips or A.N.Other), and then Aaronson plus out and out attacking midfielder (please let it still be Raph). Would link up very well with Gelhardt and also Paddy who I think actually does better from balls that come to him from more narrow angles during counter attacks rather than the byline.
All this to say, I'm a bit more optimistic about the signing as long as he can keep up with the pace and physicality of the PL.
Re: Marc Roca- SIGNED
One of the traditions at Leeds United is to give new signings two bottles of champagne: one for them, one for their significant other. As usual, the gifts were waiting for Marc Roca when he got to Elland Road to finalise his contract last Friday.
On the way out of the stadium, Roca gave away both bottles. One went to the club’s secretary and the other to a second member of the club’s staff, with a few words of thanks from the Spanish midfielder for the work done to finalise his move from Bayern Munich. He had cut an impressive figure since landing in England but it reassured Leeds a little more to see how happy he was to be there.
Victor Orta, the club’s director of football, had gone in search of that appetite when he flew to Barcelona a week earlier for a face-to-face chat with Roca: their last conversation before Leeds got their ducks in a row with Bayern. Orta, who had been actively pursuing an interest in the midfielder since January, was there to run Roca through the plan for him at Elland Road but also to check that his motivation was intact after two fairly quiet years in Munich. As he flew home, Orta sent dispatches to Leeds in the early hours of the morning and gave the deal the green light.
In truth, Orta had been following Roca for far longer than six months. He was one of many people who developed an admiration for him while the now-25-year-old was emerging at Espanyol in Spain but in the transfer window Bayern signed him (the summer of 2020), Roca was too highly rated for Leeds to have a reasonable chance of landing him. And though his time in Germany did not work out perfectly, it did not alter Orta’s appreciation of him either. Leeds just needed to be sure that physically, mentally and in terms of motivation, Roca was still in very good shape.
It helped that Bayern came across as a club who were only reluctantly selling Roca. Leeds had come close to having their fingers burned two years earlier when they tried to sign Michael Cuisance for £18 million, only for Cuisance to fail a medical. But Roca was different, a player who the Bundesliga champions would have willingly kept had the midfielder not been getting itchy feet. In two full seasons, he had played only 24 times. Six of those appearances were league starts but he had never complained or caused trouble, and for that, Bayern were grateful. To them, he was a victim of the quality in their squad, a midfielder they could have used more.
“Marc has a wonderful character,” said Bayern’s Hasan Salihamidzic as the deal went through on Friday. “We’re convinced that Marc will give Leeds a lot of pleasure. His qualities are undisputed. We wish him every success on his future path.”
Goodbyes to bit-part footballers are rarely more effusive than that and Bayern’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, had spoken several times about the quality of Roca’s professionalism. They had a good relationship to the very end, despite Nagelsmann’s inability to offer Roca more minutes.
For all that game time was hard to come by, Roca left Bayern believing himself to be a better footballer than he was when he departed Espanyol in 2020. According to those who know him well, he found that Bayern’s training sessions pushed him harder — physically and tactically — and the standard of the players around him brought his game on, first under Hansi Flick and then under Nagelsmann. He paid an increasing amount of attention to nutrition and conditioning, and worked to build up his muscle mass, altering his body shape in a similar way to one of his team-mates: Leon Goretzka.
Goretzka, who joined Bayern in 2018, had become stronger and more robust as a result of a sustained attempt to alter his physique. Roca tried to bulk up too and Leeds hope that his time in Munich will ensure that he is physically suited to the Premier League. On the technical front, his range of passing and ability to dictate from midfield did not worry Orta at all, but Roca employs a dedicated fitness coach and with a transfer looking likely this summer, he took his coach with him on holiday to Ibiza for training sessions every morning. The preparation made sense for a player who last started a Bundesliga fixture in mid-January
Roca has signed for a club who are in a period of substantial change brought on by the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa in February. Leeds were anxious to stress that Roca was not being signed as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips but with Phillips highly likely to be targeted by a bid from Manchester City, his exit would throw the fight for positions in central midfield wide open. A report from Sky Sports in Germany crediting Leeds with an interest in RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams is credible but the club’s next move will be dependent on developments with Phillips. They are yet to receive a formal offer for the England international.
Incoming business has been swifter, though, and it took only a few weeks after the end of last season for the club to complete the signings of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Roca. In Roca, they have recruited a thinker; a player who is big on mindfulness and meditation, and uses another coach to help him with his mental balance. He has spoken in various interviews about his love of books, with mentions of Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins and Secretos Revelados, a Spanish publication that discusses how the Bible is interpreted.
All round, Bayern liked his character and his attitude. He suffered injuries at unfortunate times, none of which helped him displace the elite midfielders ahead of him. Bayern’s hierarchy did not see Roca as a bad investment and in selling him to Leeds, they drove a marginally higher price than they had when they bought him from Espanyol, at a time when Roca’s reputation was rapidly on the rise.
In short, they did not feel like they were passing on damaged goods. For Roca, Bayern was a challenge and character-building, a worthwhile step out of his comfort zone. But equally, in leaving for Elland Road last week, the time was right.
He has at least one friend at Leeds already in left-back Junior Firpo, with whom he played for Spain’s under-21s. He has played against Rodrigo and Diego Llorente, and as for his chances of settling in quickly, he has the advantage of speaking good English.
After the deal had been completed, Leeds told him to report back for pre-season when the rest of their international players returned, a little later than the rest of the squad. However, Roca reminded them that he was not an international and said he wanted to be there for the earlier date, ready to go from day one.
No time for champagne and no time to waste
On the way out of the stadium, Roca gave away both bottles. One went to the club’s secretary and the other to a second member of the club’s staff, with a few words of thanks from the Spanish midfielder for the work done to finalise his move from Bayern Munich. He had cut an impressive figure since landing in England but it reassured Leeds a little more to see how happy he was to be there.
Victor Orta, the club’s director of football, had gone in search of that appetite when he flew to Barcelona a week earlier for a face-to-face chat with Roca: their last conversation before Leeds got their ducks in a row with Bayern. Orta, who had been actively pursuing an interest in the midfielder since January, was there to run Roca through the plan for him at Elland Road but also to check that his motivation was intact after two fairly quiet years in Munich. As he flew home, Orta sent dispatches to Leeds in the early hours of the morning and gave the deal the green light.
In truth, Orta had been following Roca for far longer than six months. He was one of many people who developed an admiration for him while the now-25-year-old was emerging at Espanyol in Spain but in the transfer window Bayern signed him (the summer of 2020), Roca was too highly rated for Leeds to have a reasonable chance of landing him. And though his time in Germany did not work out perfectly, it did not alter Orta’s appreciation of him either. Leeds just needed to be sure that physically, mentally and in terms of motivation, Roca was still in very good shape.
It helped that Bayern came across as a club who were only reluctantly selling Roca. Leeds had come close to having their fingers burned two years earlier when they tried to sign Michael Cuisance for £18 million, only for Cuisance to fail a medical. But Roca was different, a player who the Bundesliga champions would have willingly kept had the midfielder not been getting itchy feet. In two full seasons, he had played only 24 times. Six of those appearances were league starts but he had never complained or caused trouble, and for that, Bayern were grateful. To them, he was a victim of the quality in their squad, a midfielder they could have used more.
“Marc has a wonderful character,” said Bayern’s Hasan Salihamidzic as the deal went through on Friday. “We’re convinced that Marc will give Leeds a lot of pleasure. His qualities are undisputed. We wish him every success on his future path.”
Goodbyes to bit-part footballers are rarely more effusive than that and Bayern’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, had spoken several times about the quality of Roca’s professionalism. They had a good relationship to the very end, despite Nagelsmann’s inability to offer Roca more minutes.
For all that game time was hard to come by, Roca left Bayern believing himself to be a better footballer than he was when he departed Espanyol in 2020. According to those who know him well, he found that Bayern’s training sessions pushed him harder — physically and tactically — and the standard of the players around him brought his game on, first under Hansi Flick and then under Nagelsmann. He paid an increasing amount of attention to nutrition and conditioning, and worked to build up his muscle mass, altering his body shape in a similar way to one of his team-mates: Leon Goretzka.
Goretzka, who joined Bayern in 2018, had become stronger and more robust as a result of a sustained attempt to alter his physique. Roca tried to bulk up too and Leeds hope that his time in Munich will ensure that he is physically suited to the Premier League. On the technical front, his range of passing and ability to dictate from midfield did not worry Orta at all, but Roca employs a dedicated fitness coach and with a transfer looking likely this summer, he took his coach with him on holiday to Ibiza for training sessions every morning. The preparation made sense for a player who last started a Bundesliga fixture in mid-January
Roca has signed for a club who are in a period of substantial change brought on by the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa in February. Leeds were anxious to stress that Roca was not being signed as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips but with Phillips highly likely to be targeted by a bid from Manchester City, his exit would throw the fight for positions in central midfield wide open. A report from Sky Sports in Germany crediting Leeds with an interest in RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams is credible but the club’s next move will be dependent on developments with Phillips. They are yet to receive a formal offer for the England international.
Incoming business has been swifter, though, and it took only a few weeks after the end of last season for the club to complete the signings of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Roca. In Roca, they have recruited a thinker; a player who is big on mindfulness and meditation, and uses another coach to help him with his mental balance. He has spoken in various interviews about his love of books, with mentions of Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins and Secretos Revelados, a Spanish publication that discusses how the Bible is interpreted.
All round, Bayern liked his character and his attitude. He suffered injuries at unfortunate times, none of which helped him displace the elite midfielders ahead of him. Bayern’s hierarchy did not see Roca as a bad investment and in selling him to Leeds, they drove a marginally higher price than they had when they bought him from Espanyol, at a time when Roca’s reputation was rapidly on the rise.
In short, they did not feel like they were passing on damaged goods. For Roca, Bayern was a challenge and character-building, a worthwhile step out of his comfort zone. But equally, in leaving for Elland Road last week, the time was right.
He has at least one friend at Leeds already in left-back Junior Firpo, with whom he played for Spain’s under-21s. He has played against Rodrigo and Diego Llorente, and as for his chances of settling in quickly, he has the advantage of speaking good English.
After the deal had been completed, Leeds told him to report back for pre-season when the rest of their international players returned, a little later than the rest of the squad. However, Roca reminded them that he was not an international and said he wanted to be there for the earlier date, ready to go from day one.
No time for champagne and no time to waste
Signed
King Cjay
Fountain of all knowledge and wisdom
King Cjay
Fountain of all knowledge and wisdom
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lufc1304
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Re: Marc Roca- SIGNED
Impressive reading
"When the going gets weird, the weird get professional!" Hunter S Thompson
Re: Marc Roca- SIGNED
First sighting of our new midfielder today.
What did we think?
One thing I liked is that when he receives the ball his first instinct is to look what is forward.
He wants to move the ball forward.
Saw it with the disallowed Gelhardt goal.
Received the ball and immediately looked forward and played a lovely through ball for Firpo.
Forshaw in particular is the opposite, he is a safety first midfielder.
Roca seems more progressive and that is good.
Tried to put himself about to I felt, almost like he was trying to prove his physical suitability for the team.
Also he was very much directing things I saw, talking to young Archie Gray and pointing to where he should be.
Showed a leadership and desire to help his teenage midfield partner.
Was cautiously impressed
What did we think?
One thing I liked is that when he receives the ball his first instinct is to look what is forward.
He wants to move the ball forward.
Saw it with the disallowed Gelhardt goal.
Received the ball and immediately looked forward and played a lovely through ball for Firpo.
Forshaw in particular is the opposite, he is a safety first midfielder.
Roca seems more progressive and that is good.
Tried to put himself about to I felt, almost like he was trying to prove his physical suitability for the team.
Also he was very much directing things I saw, talking to young Archie Gray and pointing to where he should be.
Showed a leadership and desire to help his teenage midfield partner.
Was cautiously impressed
Signed
King Cjay
Fountain of all knowledge and wisdom
King Cjay
Fountain of all knowledge and wisdom
Re: Marc Roca- How did he do vs Blackpool?
Thought Roca did well with his forward-thinking play (not sideways) releasing the ball quickly plus a few meaty tackles.
Blackpool's fans don't like him, that a good sign
Blackpool's fans don't like him, that a good sign
Re: Marc Roca
How good was Roca v Brisbane & Blackpool?
We seem to lose the midfield once he departed in both games, amidst all the changes.
At £10m, I believe we have a bargain in Marc Roca.
We seem to lose the midfield once he departed in both games, amidst all the changes.
At £10m, I believe we have a bargain in Marc Roca.
- Screenshot 2022-07-14 19.59.55.png (409.81 KiB) Viewed 932 times
Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
I can see why Bayern took a chance on the lad, given the time and space he will dictate like Kalvin. I'm just not sure we will have that control under Marsch.... We will see.
Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
I'll shall ask the question again in our pre-season build-up
How good was Roca vs Villa this morning?
How good was Roca vs Villa this morning?
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andrewjohnsmith
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Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
I think he looks an absolute steal at around 10 million. He's one year younger than Kalvin. I think he looks every bit as good. Maybe he's not the defender KP was. But he's tenacious, tough tackling, strong on the ball, runs with it and can pick a pass.
It looks like his career was going great at Espanyol then just didnt work for him at Bayern. It does look like he's going to be a key player for us this season. The cynic in me sees a 20 to 30 million profit in a year or two. The optimist sees him taking us to the next level. With our signings, I definitely think we're shaping a squad that can take us to the top half.
Can I just say: Well done Victor Orta!
Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
I also believe Roca could be better than Kalvin in the long term.
Instantly impressed.
Instantly impressed.
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andrewjohnsmith
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- Posts: 8045
- Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2018 4:58 pm
- Location: California (Donny Born-n-Bred)
Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
Yes, Roca is looking like a gem of a signing, particularly at the price point. Helps that he has something to prove, and a good first few months may get him a surprise Spain call-up for the WC. Plenty for him to chase there.
Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
He will be gassed by Christmas.......
Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
by Kennyb41
Sat Jun 25, 2022 11:22 pm
Forum: Leeds United Chat
Topic: Kalvin Phillips
Replies: 1421
Views: 143889
Re: Kalvin Phillips.- £42mil Man City deal close
... got another for ya Swan. We've just got what looks like a decent progressive right back, an attacking midfield international and a midfielder in Roca that i will forecast is going to be better than KP + some change out of the 42m we get for KP
I'll have ...
by Kennyb41
Mon Jul 04, 2022 3:44 pm
Forum: Leeds United Chat
Topic: Raphinha - RAPH SAYS THANK YOU AND ADIOS
Replies: 1422
Views: 94876
Re: Raphinha - Barcelona announce immediate cash injection of around £175million with more potentially coming soon
KP is not a loss, this Roca guy will be better. If we get 1 more that suits big Jesses style and keep Raph, it's got me feeling all optimistic that it might just work, the players we're signing look to me like we're going on the attack, ...
All aboard the young kennyboy bandwagon huh
Some see it faster than the average Joe.
Gloat, gloat.
Must dash guys, do keep up.
Sat Jun 25, 2022 11:22 pm
Forum: Leeds United Chat
Topic: Kalvin Phillips
Replies: 1421
Views: 143889
Re: Kalvin Phillips.- £42mil Man City deal close
... got another for ya Swan. We've just got what looks like a decent progressive right back, an attacking midfield international and a midfielder in Roca that i will forecast is going to be better than KP + some change out of the 42m we get for KP
I'll have ...by Kennyb41
Mon Jul 04, 2022 3:44 pm
Forum: Leeds United Chat
Topic: Raphinha - RAPH SAYS THANK YOU AND ADIOS
Replies: 1422
Views: 94876
Re: Raphinha - Barcelona announce immediate cash injection of around £175million with more potentially coming soon
KP is not a loss, this Roca guy will be better. If we get 1 more that suits big Jesses style and keep Raph, it's got me feeling all optimistic that it might just work, the players we're signing look to me like we're going on the attack, ...
All aboard the young kennyboy bandwagon huh
Some see it faster than the average Joe.
Gloat, gloat.
Must dash guys, do keep up.
Not dependent on Google, the www or 'stats' - Just a guy that puts his eyes to full use on the beautiful game 
;@)
;@)
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Victor_Notts-17
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- Contact:
Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
I've always said Roca is a top top signing. KP was great in his role but it does not mean that anyone else will find it difficult to fill that void: Marc Roca is that man! £10m is an absolute snip for someone who will turn out to be an absolute gem...
Remember how bad we were without KP in the starting line-up? That problem has gone now: we have 3 (or maybe 4) quality plaers at DCM...
Remember how bad we were without KP in the starting line-up? That problem has gone now: we have 3 (or maybe 4) quality plaers at DCM...
Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
Calm down a bit Vic, i'm nearly as excited as you but we've gotta see him in the Prem yet.
KP is not hard to replace, he was only excellent with Bert playing him in his best role as lone DM, without Bert and that system he's not that good.
He will probably be ok at Citeh though coz surrounded by class, meaning a 4-1-5 or a 4-1-4-1 for him, he'll be reet.
KP is not hard to replace, he was only excellent with Bert playing him in his best role as lone DM, without Bert and that system he's not that good.
He will probably be ok at Citeh though coz surrounded by class, meaning a 4-1-5 or a 4-1-4-1 for him, he'll be reet.
Not dependent on Google, the www or 'stats' - Just a guy that puts his eyes to full use on the beautiful game
;@)
;@)
Re: Marc Roca - How good was Roco again today?
Hope Roca makes the Spanish World Cup squad, always enjoy following Spain in the big tournaments.