Orio Romeu reacts after Unionistas 1-3 Barcelona: “Always ups and downs in a footballer’s career”

Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu completed full 90 minutes for the first time in two and half months when he took the field against Unionistas in the recent Copa del Rey encounter.

Romeu had a 100% success rate when it came to interceptions last night and the former Girona and Chelsea player also successfully completed 90% of his passes, instilling a sense of assurance among his teammates alongside Frenkie de Jong.

Moreover, in the defensive aspect, he triumphed in all four aerial duels contested during the game. Despite Barcelona’s best efforts, though, it was Unionistas who opened the scoring, and Romeu admitted after the game that it did put pressure on the team.

“Yes, by taking the lead in the first half, it has made it difficult for us to do the job we wanted to do,” he was quoted by Mundo Deportivo. 

“Whether you like it or not, you rush into decision-making and it was difficult. Luckily Ferran scored a good goal before the break and that helped a lot to be able to come back later,” he added.

Romeu’s thoughts on the counter

Oriol Romeu completed full 90 minutes against Unionistas. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

After Barcelona had conceded, the team from Catalonia looked for a way to breach the hosts’ defence and they did through a counter. After Romeu’s headed clearance following a corner, Felix slipped a pass in the way of Ferran Torres, who slotted home with a neat finish.

“That counterattack was very good, Ferran is in a very sweet moment and he decided very well. That goal made us start the second half with a more positive mentality and knowing that things were not that bad. If you lose your spirits, they are of a different style and that goal was key,” said Romeu.

Adding further, Romeu pressed that this win over Unionistas was crucial for Barcelona and all the credit goes to the work the team put into the fixture.

“It was key to get to the next round, it was key to stay alive in the competition. We want to continue competing in all the competitions that we are alive in and it was a tough and complicated match. We have to give credit to the work the team has done.”

Lastly, he also commented that despite a string of poor performances, he is calm at Barcelona.

“I am calm. In the end, there are always ups and downs in a footballer’s career. I have had to experience one and I have tried to manage it with daily work, look for solutions and at the same time, good feelings always come at the end. Today I’m happy for the victory,” he explained.