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Since the start of the season, FC Barcelona has been one of the machines that run perfectly in Europe. Despite a period of hollow at the end of last year, this series of sawtooth results did not affect the Catalan spirits, which quickly recovered from the best of the best teams in Europe. An excellent season so far and which is explained in particular by the prodigious beginnings of Hansi Flick on the Blaugranas bench. After a mixed mandate as a coach of Germany, the former coach of Bayern Munich made a shattering return with Barça and proves that he is one of the best technicians in the world. One of his big achievements will have been to restore confidence to many players in perdition under the leadership of Xavi. This is particularly the case with Raphinha. Close to a departure this first summer after two seasons mixed in Barcelona, the Brazilian is reborn from his ashes this season. Positioned on the left wing of the Catalan attack, the former Stade Rennais shines and compiles 23 goals and 15 offerings in 34 appearances. An exceptional assessment that inevitably places Raphinha among the best players in the world. This Saturday, the number 11 of Barça was at the center of a long interview carried out by France Football.
The opportunity for the latter to explain the reasons for his return in force. And for the twirling left -hander, this beautiful rebirth is explained by his privileged relationship with Hansi Flick who caused a certain mental click: “Confidence is essential to do your job well. Not just in football, in any area. While there were already rumors of starting last season, Xavi kept repeating to me that he was counting on me. He was decisive in my arrival at Barça. If he had not been there, I would not wear this jersey. I can only say thank you. I was convinced that in dint of work, I would end up becoming an important player for the team. Then, when his arrival was formalized, Hansi Flick called me and told me that I was one of the players on which he intended to rely, without knowing me and without having seen me training. It counted a lot in my decision to stay. I knew I would be an important player for the team. Flick allowed me to work in all serenity to reach my best level. To be at its maximum, you have to be mentally strong. Anyone who works in a demanding field, physically and mentally, must seek support if it needs it and that is what I did. It was very important for me to work on this aspect, at a time when I knew difficulties and when I cut my arms a little. This mental work helped me a lot to regain my calm and the confidence necessary to do things well.»»
Raphinha wants to make history with FC Barcelona
Considered an irremovable framework in the eyes of Hansi Flick, the former Sporting CP feels at the center of the sports project of the Cules and that is necessarily felt on the meadow with enormous confidence. Sure of his abilities, Raphinha makes her incredible technical quality speak and does not hesitate to try several gestures that hit the bull's eye this season. Beyond his prowess on the meadow, the native of Porto Alegre has also taken more importance in the locker room where he is considered a framework. A new element which explains his return in force as he he conceded during his interview: “Being a captain is not only to wear the armband is also a behavior to have in the locker room. A captain must fight, in the good sense of the word: for the club, for the jersey he wears, for his teammates. He must aim for excellence, help the youngest and older and learn from them too. Wherever I went, I have always taken care that everyone feels good within the group. I do my best to welcome the new ones, whether they come from the training center or from the outside.»»
Now considered one of the best players in the world at 28 in one of the most iconic clubs on the planet, Raphinha intends to continue this momentum as much as possible. And as himself confides, he sees himself staying in Barcelona for a long time to mark history: “I always dreamed of wearing the Barça jersey. It was a distant dream, but I knew that with work and determination, I could get closer. Each step that I crossed was important to realize this dream. So many Brazilians have helped write the story of this club: Ronaldinho, Romario, Rivaldo, Neymar … It's my turn to take this path and write my own story with this jersey. I am convinced that I can do it. (…) During the last four transfer windows, I was sent in I don't know how many different places … But for my part, I have always been focused on Barça. Above all, I have a contract that I intend to honor (until June 2027). Rumors come and go. Me, what matters to me is the confidence that people show me in the club. If those who work with you on a daily basis are satisfied, that's the essential. I knew what I was worth, what I could bring, and I absolutely do not regret having stayed.»It will now be necessary to finish this season in a rush when the interested party wants to win as many trophies as possible as he conceded it.
