Barcelona star complains that his game time is 'not enough'

Xavi is facing further issues in his squad, after a second story about a Barcelona star being unhappy about the amount they're playing in two days.

Barcelona have started their league season well, dropping points in just one game, and keeping up to speed with defending La Liga champions Real Madrid.

The manager has had a busy period trying to turn things around at the Nou Camp, with plenty of incomings and outgoings in the summer, and an attempt to balance the books.

However, despite all the positives around the club, not everything is as wonderful as it might be, with talk that legendary defender Gerard Pique has fallen out with his former teammate, who is now the manager.

Xavi still has issues to deal with at Barcelona. Image: Alamy

And the centre back isn't the only one unhappy at the amount of game time he's getting right now, with Memphis Depay complaining in public whilst on international duty this week.

"Of course this time I look extra forward to this week with the national team, I’m sure you can guess why," the Netherlands striker told ESPN.

"I played less than usual and it’s not something I am used to. But here you know you are going to play so I am extra motivated and thankful. I had two starting spots in the last two weeks in La Liga. It’s not enough.

"I get taken off after 60 minutes but I am longing for more. In the last 25 minutes of the game, there is more space and I always have the power to profit from that."

Depay celebrates his goal. Image: Alamy

Depay started in the weekend win over Elche, in which Pedri once again impressed, and got himself on the scoresheet in the first half, with what is becoming his signature goal.

However, much to the annoyance of anyone who had him on La Liga fantasy football, the former Manchester United forward was taken off in the 59th minute.

It is a surprise that the 28-year-old is even still at Barca, having been strongly linked with a move away from the club, especially after the arrival of Robert Lewandowski.

Depay went on to explain why he didn't leave this summer, adding, "Other clubs came and then you just look at your options. I decided to fight for my chance here.

"I was the top scorer of Barca with Aubameyang. I love competition and I don’t walk away from it. I enjoy being at Barca."

The forward is on international duty, where he's clearly happier. Image: Alamy

It's not just Depay who is hoping he gets more football with his club, as Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal also wants the striker, and Frenkie de Jong, to feature more often.

"It is true that many players called me in the transfer window. But I always ended every conversation with ‘this is my advice, but you make your own decision," Van Gaal said about players speaking to him for advice in the summer.

"I am happy with the outcome. But I would be happier if Frenkie and Memphis would play more than they are now."

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Topics: La Liga, Barcelona, Netherlands, Memphis Depay

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

@Sidler28