FC Barcelona star Raphinha confessed that he is “tiresome”, but such open honesty, and holding both himself and his teammates to account, is gravely needed in this squad.
After two pretty average seasons on the whole, Raphinha kicked to life upon Hansi Flick’s arrival in 2024/2025 and won merits such as being the Champions League’s top provider of goals and assists.
Barca could only reach the semifinals in that competition, where it fell to Inter Milan, but the Brazilian still had a prominent role in a domestic treble that put the club back on top in Spanish football.
Though Flick has been reminded that Barca boasts the same amount of points (34) after the same amount of matchdays (14) this season, something isn’t right.
Raphinha was seen consoling the German after the final whistle of a 3-1 comeback win over Alaves at Camp Nou on Saturday, and the number 11 also went live on air with DAZN Espana to make bold confessions.
“I feel that I am being a little tiresome, sometimes too much. But I think that pressing is important. I’m sure that on the pitch my teammates sometimes think that I talk too much. But I am going to demand from people that they give much more. I take responsibility and in the dressing room we all hug each other to celebrate the victory,” Raphinha explained.
If Barca is going to stay ahead of the pack domestically, and perhaps rule the continent, it quite frankly needs such honesty and a born leader holding everyone to account.
Flick has already warned that egos kill success, and there are suspicions that some players aren’t putting in the same effort he sees on the training ground as when it comes to gracing a competitive pitch.
If Raphinha stays fit, though, we at least know one player will give his best and make sure that everyone else does too.
What else did FC Barcelona star Raphinha say?
“I’m trying to find my best version. I’m not fit to play 90 minutes, but when I’m here, I try to give my best. In the second half I felt the fatigue. I’m working very hard to get back to my best version. I try to give my best when I’m on the pitch. Being able to start at number 11 is something that makes me happy. I want to help the team and I leave satisfied.”
Raphinha and FC Barcelona return to action by hosting Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Tuesday night.
