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In a recent interview with Diario SPORT, legendary Barcelona forward Rivaldo shared his thoughts on several key topics, including the current Barcelona team under Hansi Flick.
He also talked about the rise of Brazilian talent Raphinha and the brilliance of young star Lamine Yamal.
Rivaldo on Hansi Flick and the current Barcelona
Rivaldo spoke highly of Barcelona’s current manager, Hansi Flick, acknowledging that while it’s early days, the German coach has had a promising start at the club.
“Things are going very well, Flick arrived, gave a lot of confidence, giving opportunities to those in the youth team, which is important. But it is still very early, everything started now, and we need more time.
“When everything is over we will be able to make a better analysis, but yes, he is doing very well so far. Hopefully, he will continue like this until the end,” he said.
Rivaldo on Barcelona’s title chances
Rivaldo thinks Barcelona can win the Champions League. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images for FIFA)
While confident about Barça’s domestic prospects, Rivaldo admitted that the Champions League will pose a greater challenge for Flick’s side.
“I think the League will be easier than the Champions League, which I see as more difficult.
“Anything can happen in football, but in the League, you have a good chance of being champion, in the Champions League it is not impossible, but it is much more difficult despite having players with personality,” he said.
Barcelona are currently leading the league table, despite Real Madrid’s recent win over Celta Vigo. However, with a showdown against Real Madrid awaiting next weekend, the Catalans can easily lose their crown at the top.
Rivaldo on El Clasico
Speaking of El Clasico, Rivaldo acknowledged that while Real Madrid may have more financial power, Barcelona’s reliance on homegrown talent levels the playing field.
“Madrid has a lot of money and signs very expensive players, Barcelona is betting on home-grown players, the youth team, and when it comes to a derby like this there are no favourites.”
Despite this, Rivaldo feels that Real Madrid will be under more pressure given their home advantage. “The pressure is on Madrid because they are playing at home and are the champions of the League and the Champions League.
“Barcelona will play with some young players from the youth system, some with experience, Raphinha. But that’s what I’m saying, there is no favourite,” he said.
When pressed for a prediction, Rivaldo gave his pick: “I think Barça will win 1-2.”
Rivaldo on Raphinha’s transformation under Flick
Rivaldo is impressed with Raphinha’s transformation (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
One player who will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of El Clasico is Raphinha, who has been a revelation under Hansi Flick.
Talking about his fellow countryman, Rivaldo said, “I’m very happy with Raphinha this season, there’s a change in confidence. When you have confidence in the coach.”
“Xavi didn’t give him that much confidence and he was on the bench for many games and substituted for others, it’s very complicated. Today he has the coach’s confidence and everything is easier,” he added.
Rivaldo on Vitor Roque’s future
Speaking of Brazilians, Rivaldo also shed light on Vitor Roque’s future at Barcelona, after a disappointing start to his career in Catalonia.
He expressed optimism about Roque’s future at Barça despite his current challenges.
“Confidence. Vitor arrived halfway through the season, at a difficult time. He didn’t have the confidence or the minutes, but he’s a great player and he’s going to gain a lot of experience at Betis and, surely, he’ll return to Barcelona.”
“Now he’s hurt, a little sad to leave Barcelona, but he can come back and make a difference in the future because he knows how to play,” he said.
Rivaldo on Lamine Yamal
Rivaldo sees a pinch of himself in Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
One of the most glowing sections of Rivaldo’s interview was dedicated to Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation who has taken La Masia and world football by storm.
Rivaldo believes that Yamal has the potential to reach the very top, drawing comparisons to his own youthful joy on the pitch.
“The one that everyone is loving is Lamine. He is an impressive player, but you have Gavi, many good ones,” he said.
He continued to lavish praise on the young forward: “At times, yes [he reminds me of myself], because I went onto the pitch to enjoy football, that joy. He has that joy, he plays to enjoy, he enjoys it and the fans do too. He is 17 years old and plays as if he were 26 or 27.
“He will surely be great, he already is, he is doing a great job: he is a Euro champion, he did well in Barcelona. But one day he will be the best in the world.”
Rivaldo has no doubt about Yamal’s potential to win the Ballon d’Or, a feat many believe is inevitable if the young Spaniard continues his current trajectory.
“Sure. He has to keep working because it’s not easy, but if he does things right like he’s doing he’ll surely win,” he said.
Given Yamal’s young age and exposure to physical challenges on the pitch, Rivaldo urged referees and the football community to protect talented players from dangerous tackles.
“He must be protected because he is a talented player. Football is about going hard, there are fouls, but not with violence or injury, the referees have to be more attentive, not only for him but for everyone, also for Vinicius or Rodrygo. Football is not about kicks, it is about playing,” he added.
Rivaldo on Messi
Finally, Rivaldo weighed in on the debate of whether Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of all time. For him, the comparison comes down to two names: Messi and Pele.
“Yes, Messi or Pele. I haven’t seen Pele play, I’ve seen videos and everyone says he’s great. He’s won three World Cups, he’s Brazilian. But Messi is like Pele.
“Because of his goals, because he’s a world champion, a title he needed in his career, he’s won it. The other day he scored three goals against Bolivia.
“He makes a difference and I hope he keeps playing football so we can enjoy it. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, he’s Messi,” he concluded.
