Barcelona winger Raphinha has publicly shared his frustrations about his turbulent spell under former coach Xavi Hernández, expressing disappointment over the lack of belief shown in him. Despite contributing to Barcelona’s LaLiga title in 2023 and now emerging as a Ballon d’Or contender, the Brazilian attacker felt marginalized during Xavi’s tenure. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Raphinha opened up on the emotional toll those years took on him, contrasting it with his current resurgence under Hansi Flick.
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Under Xavi: From Arrival to Alienation
When Raphinha arrived from Leeds United in 2022, he expected a central role in Xavi’s plans. Instead, he found himself competing with Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres for minutes on the wing. Despite delivering key contributions, he often watched from the bench or left games early.
“I felt like the coaching staff didn’t have any confidence in me,” Raphinha told Isabela Pagliari during a candid interview on her YouTube channel.
He continued: “When there was no other [player], I was there and I played 90 minutes. I gave everything I could give and had an impact on games, but when there was another [player] who could play in my place, they picked them without even thinking about it.”
Xavi handed him 87 appearances over two seasons, but Raphinha started only 60 of those and completed just eight full matches. Game after game, he watched his number go up around the 60-minute mark.
Manchester United Clash: The Breaking Point
One painful moment still stands out for the Brazilian. In a high-stakes Europa League match against Manchester United in 2023, he scored a goal and assisted another. Yet, Xavi substituted him while the game still hung in the balance.
“Sometimes, I was doing everything for 60 minutes and they would take me off. There’s a famous video in which I explode when I reach the bench and punch it.”
“I think it was the game against Manchester United. I had done really well. I had scored and set up a goal. I think it was 2-2 and they took me off.”
“I had just created a really good chance. I felt good and was playing well. And I was the first player taken off. I could not believe it.”
He channeled his frustration physically, slamming the bench in anger — a raw reflection of the disconnect he felt with the coaching decisions.
Confrontations Without Closure
Raphinha didn’t remain silent behind the scenes. He approached Xavi multiple times, trying to understand the logic behind the decisions. He hoped to bridge the gap, but those discussions brought no clarity.
“I tried to fix the situation. I had several conversations with [Xavi], but I saw that it was making no difference. He had his way of thinking.”
He acknowledged the mental toll that lack of trust and communication took on his morale, even though he never let it affect his effort on the pitch.
New Chapter With Flick: Trust Translates to Triumph
Since Hansi Flick took over, Raphinha has rediscovered his rhythm and relevance. Flick repositioned him on the left wing, giving him more freedom to create and finish. The results have been staggering. He has scored 32 goals this season from 53 appearances, 49 of them as starts. He already completed 90 minutes in 34 matches — a number he never came close to under Xavi.
“Flick is someone who looks out for all the players, those that are playing and those that are not playing,” Raphinha said.
He pointed to a specific incident involving teammate Vitor Roque to illustrate Flick’s compassionate leadership.
“I really noticed that when Vitor Roque left. I was really moved by how he dealt with that. He was more concerned than Vitor about what was happening. He went to speak with the club to find out all about the situation and he spoke with [Roque].”
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FAQs
Raphinha expressed frustration because Xavi and his coaching staff never showed real confidence in him despite his consistent efforts and contributions.
Raphinha made 87 appearances under Xavi but started only 60 games and played the full 90 minutes just eight times.
Raphinha scored and assisted in the Europa League clash against Manchester United but felt shocked when Xavi substituted him early despite his strong performance
Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has scored 32 goals in 53 appearances, completed more matches, and played in a position that suits his strengths.
Yes, Raphinha has emerged as a Ballon d’Or contender thanks to his outstanding form and crucial role in Barcelona’s push for a treble.
