Barcelona star Raphinha has this week provided a fresh insight into the difficulties he endured, whilst under the watch of Xavi Hernández.
Wide-man Raphinha is for his part of course in the midst of nothing short of a spectacular season to date.
Since the summer appointment of Hansi Flick in Catalunya’s capital, the Brazilian has looked a player reborn, shining from both his berth on the left flank and, on occasion, in a more central role.
All told, across 52 appearances in all competitions, Raphinha has racked up a head-turning 56 direct goal contributions.
This dwarfs the tally managed by the former Leeds United man last season (23 contributions).
And as alluded to above, this week, Raphinha has provided an insight into precisely why he feels his efforts in the 2023/24 campaign came up short.
During an in-depth interview with journalist Isabela Pagliari, as cited by Diario Sport, the 28-year-old opened up on the difficulties he faced in lining out for a manager (Xavi) whom he felt simply didn’t believe in his talents:
“I felt that neither he nor the coaching staff trusted me. When there was no other, I was there and played the full 90 minutes. I gave everything I had to deliver and solved the games, but when there was someone else who could play in my place, they did it without thinking.
“Sometimes, I was doing everything in 60 minutes and I would take myself out. There’s a viral video where I explode when I get to the bench and punch out. I think it was the game against Manchester United, where I had been very good, I had scored a goal and I had given an assist. I think we were 2-2 and he (Xavi) took me out. I had just created a very clear opportunity. I felt comfortable and was playing very well. And the first substitution was me. When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it.”
Raphinha concluded:
“I tried to fix it, I had several conversations with him, but I saw that these didn’t make any difference. He had his way of thinking.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
