Barcelona’s electrifying winger Raphinha has publicly shared his frustrations about his time under former manager Xavi Hernandez, claiming that the legendary coach did not trust him during his tenure at the club. In a candid interview with Brazilian journalist Isabela Pagliari, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, the 28-year-old Brazilian forward opened up about feeling undervalued and unsupported, shedding light on a troubled dynamic that impacted his early days at the Nou Camp.
Raphinha, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022 for a hefty £55 million, arrived with high expectations after showcasing his flair in the Premier League. However, under Xavi’s management, the winger struggled to secure a consistent starting role, often finding himself substituted or sidelined. He revealed that he felt Xavi and his coaching staff lacked faith in his abilities, regardless of his performances on the pitch. “I felt like neither he nor the coaching staff trusted me,” Raphinha stated, adding that he was often replaced around the 60th minute, even when he believed he was playing well. This pattern, he explained, led to inconsistency in his game and growing frustration.
One particular incident highlighted the tension between player and coach. During a Europa League match against Manchester United in 2023, Raphinha was substituted despite delivering an impressive performance. Visibly upset, he expressed his anger on the bench, an outburst that included kicking a cooler in frustration, which he later admitted caused him a minor injury. Although he apologized to Xavi and his teammates, Raphinha said subsequent clear-the-air talks failed to resolve the underlying issues. “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,” the forward told Pagliari.
Despite these challenges, Raphinha acknowledged Xavi’s role in convincing him to stay at Barcelona during a period when transfer rumors swirled, suggesting a complex relationship marked by both tension and moments of support. However, it was the arrival of current manager Hansi Flick that truly transformed Raphinha’s fortunes. Under Flick’s guidance, the Brazilian has flourished, emerging as a key figure in Barcelona’s attack. This season, he has delivered a staggering 27 goals and 18 assists across all competitions, including a standout performance in the Champions League where he leads both the goalscoring and assist charts. His form has drawn comparisons to club legend Lionel Messi, with Raphinha matching Messi’s record for goal contributions in a single Champions League campaign.
Flick’s trust and tactical approach have been pivotal, with the German coach deploying Raphinha as a versatile playmaker rather than a traditional winger. “Flick ensured I would trust his abilities, but in return, he demanded versatility,” Raphinha noted, crediting the manager for unlocking his potential. Barcelona’s sporting director Deco, who previously served as Raphinha’s agent, is reportedly preparing a new five-year contract for the star, a testament to his resurgence and commitment to the club.
Raphinha’s revelations come at a time when Xavi, who left Barcelona at the end of the 2023-24 season, is on a sabbatical but linked with high-profile managerial roles, including at Manchester United and Juventus. While Xavi’s tenure at Barcelona included successes like a La Liga title in 2023 and the promotion of young talents such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, Raphinha’s comments highlight the challenges he faced in managing a star-studded squad.