Raphinha has revealed his frustration over limited playing time under former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, claiming the Spanish manager never showed genuine confidence in him during their two seasons together.
\"I felt like the coaching staff didn\'t have any confidence in me,\" Raphinha said in an interview with Isabela Pagliari\'s YouTube channel. \"When there was no other player, I was there and I played 90 minutes. I gave everything I could give and had an impact on games, but when there was another player who could play in my place, they picked them without even thinking about it.\"
The 28-year-old Brazilian international specifically referenced his substitution during a Europa League match against Manchester United in 2023.
\"I had done really well. I had scored and set up a goal. I think it was 2-2 and they took me off. I had just created a really good chance. I felt good and was playing well. And I was the first player taken off. I could not believe it,\" said Raphina.
Limited Opportunities Under Previous Management
During Xavi\'s tenure, Raphinha made 87 appearances for Barcelona, with 27 coming as a substitute. He completed the full 90 minutes in just eight matches despite helping the club win the 2023 LaLiga title.
\"I tried to fix the situation,\" he added. \"I had several conversations with Xavi, but I saw that it was making no difference. He had his way of thinking.\"
The winger has flourished under new manager Hansi Flick this season, scoring 31 goals across 52 appearances compared to just 20 goals in his first two seasons at the club. Flick has started Raphinha in 48 matches, allowing him to complete full games 33 times already.
Raphinha praised Flick\'s supportive management style: \"He is someone who looks out for all the players, those that are playing and those that are not playing.\"
Via Sam Marsden/ESPN