Raphinha Knocks Xavi For ‘Lack Of Belief’
Barcelona star Raphinha has revealed that the club’s former coach, Xavi Hernandez, never believed him despite signing him from Leeds United in 2022.
Raphinha sealed a dream move to Barcelona under the tutelage of Xavi, and he was part of the team that won La Liga in 2023.
However, the Brazilian did not enjoy regular playing time under Xavi, as he was often subbed off early in games or even left on the bench entirely in some matches.
He also has to battle the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres for a place in the starting lineup.
Raphinha has now opened up on what transpired between him and Xavi.
He said, “I felt like the coaching staff didn’t have any confidence in me.
“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.
“Sometimes, I was doing everything for 60 minutes, and they would take me off. There’s a famous video in which I explode when I reach the bench and punch it.
“I think it was the game against Manchester United [in the Europa League 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.”
Raphinha made 87 appearances in two seasons under Xavi, completing 90 minutes on eight occasions, while 27 came as a substitute.
He continued, “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.”
Raphinha has enjoyed a prolific season for Barcelona and a new lease of life under new coach Hansi Flick, scoring 31 goals in all competitions this season.
The Brazilian forward was full of praise for the German coach, who has deployed him off the left wing this season.
Raphinha concluded, “He is someone who looks out for all the players, those that are playing and those that are not playing,” Raphinha said of the approach utilised by Flick.
“I really noticed that when Vitor Roque left. I was really moved by how he dealt with that. He was more concerned than Vitor about what was happening. He went to speak with the club to find out all about the situation, and he spoke with [Roque].”
In contrast to Xavi’s time at the club, Raphinha’s 31 goals have come from 52 appearances, 48 of them as a starter, while he completed 90 minutes on 33 occasions.
Raphinha has emerged as a candidate for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award following his stunning performances for Barcelona this season.
Raphinha Knocks Xavi For ‘Lack Of Belief’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
