Barcelona delayed Sergio Roberto’s contract extension following their La Liga loss to Almería on Sunday (February 26), Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported.
The Blaugrana suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Power Horse Stadium on Sunday night. Bilal Toure hit an impressive half-volley in the 24th minute to put the hosts ahead.
The Blaugrana pushed hard to come back in the second half, but failed to break Almería’s resistance. The defeat came just three days after their exit from the Europa League at the hands of Manchester United.
According to the aforementioned report, Robert’s one-year contract extension was scheduled to be signed on March 1. However, in light of his recent performances, Barcelona have delayed the event. It has been claimed that the deal will now be announced later this week or the next.
It can be assumed that Barcelona wants to announce the extension of Roberto in brighter conditions. The opportunity could arise if they beat their bitterest rival Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday night (March 2).
Roberto, 31, can not only play as a right back, but is also capable of operating as a central or defensive midfielder. He has so far played 22 games for Xavi’s team in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and distributing three assists.
Xavi furious after the defeat of Almería, calls it the “worst game of the season” for Barcelona
La Liga leaders Barca failed to assert their authority over 15th-placed Almeria on Sunday night. The Catalans struggled to move the ball, didn’t make the most of the four big chances they created and often couldn’t match Almeria’s intensity.
With @Pedri for their part, FC Barcelona has a 90% point percentage in their matches (84/93) Without him, they only have 57% (31/54)… 👀 The impact of this child cannot be describe enough!! 🔵🔴 https://t.co/j3gYUuW3JH
Speaking to the press after Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat against Almería, Xavi expressed his anger at the performance of his men. He said (via noon):
“I am very angry because I think we played our worst game of the season. Especially in the first half we couldn’t move the ball, we lacked intensity, speed, on a day when we couldn’t miss”.
added:
“We do not show the passion [we needed] to win the game. In the second half, yes, but they defended well”.
If Barça had won in Almería, they would have gone 10 points above second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table. Los Blancos drew 1-1 with Atlético Madrid on Saturday to give Barcelona a great chance to escape with the title.