Roony Bardghji, 20, has seen limited playing time at Barcelona since his summer move. In an interview with SVT Sport, he expresses patience but also some frustration. He is now with the Swedish national team ahead of the World Cup playoff against Ukraine.
Roony Bardghji signed a four-year contract with Barcelona in July last year. Since then, he has accumulated 384–396 minutes in La Liga across 16 matches, according to various sources. In January, he won his first title with the club, the Spanish Supercup after a final victory over Real Madrid. “It has always been my dream to play there. Winning the first trophy was huge. It was a great feeling,” he tells SVT Sport. Despite the limited playing time, he remains patient: “I have patience, even though I might have thought I deserved to play more.” He respects his teammates: “No, one hundred percent, I'm not satisfied, but it's football. Respect to those who have been there a long time.” The Swedish national team is gathered in Valencia ahead of the World Cup playoff semi-final against Ukraine on Thursday. Bardghji is fired up and ready to contribute: “I just have to go to the World Cup. If needed, I'll stand in goal. No problem.” During training, he jumped in as goalkeeper and made a fine save, hoping national team coach Graham Potter saw it. Potter has extended his contract to 2030, which Bardghji welcomes. He views Sweden as favorites but warns of Ukraine: “We have to go in with respect. But we believe in ourselves and the quality I think we have.” Bardghji adapted quickly to Barcelona's playing style after his move from FC Köpenhamn.
