Barcelona winger expresses frustration with former boss Xavi’s in-game management

Speaking in an interview with El Pais, Barcelona winger Raphinha expressed frustration with how former manager Xavi Hernandez managed his substitutions during his tenure at the club.

Raphinha, 27, is thriving this season under Hansi Flick after having been linked with a departure from the club during the past summer windows.

While he made vital contributions in his first two seasons as well, the Brazilian international was not always at his consistent best which led to some criticism directed at him.

Things were not always rosy between Raphinha and Xavi either with the Brazilian having been spotted expressing frustrations on the touchline after being taken off on multiple occasions by the club legend.

Now, during the interview, the former Leeds United admitted that it was a source of frustration for him as he was always getting taken off around the 60th minute irrespective of how well he was doing on the pitch.

“It’s more complicated there. I laugh, because that has happened to me a lot. It’s not a criticism of Xavi,” admitted Raphinha.

“Unconsciously, I already knew that I was going to have to go out. I tried to do everything in 60 minutes and nothing came out. And at other times, when things did go my way, I’d come off just the same.”

On being asked if he ever spoke with Xavi about the same, the winger responded: “Yes, but these are the coach’s decisions.”

On the change from Xavi to Hansi Flick as the manager, the 27-year-old admitted: “They are different people, who have a different way of doing their job and dealing with the players. It also helps to change the mentality after not winning anything.”

Raphinha also admitted that there were times when he did not feel a part of the club with sections of the media and supporters questioning his contributions.

“At times, yes, especially during the first six months before the World Cup. But I also felt it in the rest of the windows. They always said one thing or another, that I was no good, that I had to be sold,” shared the Brazilian international.

On the turnaround of his fortunes this season and whether now he feels more like a protagonist, Raphinha highlighted the entire team, saying:

“I don’t feel like a protagonist. I know I’m having a good season, but the protagonist is the whole team. If we score 10 goals but concede 10, the game ends in a draw.

“When everyone is doing well, it’s natural that the strikers stand out more, they’re the ones who score goals. In my opinion, they are all protagonists.”