Raphinha talks Flick, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Barcelona youngsters, captaincy

From being linked with an exit during the summer transfer window, Raphinha has become one of Barcelona’s captains and one of new manager Hansi Flick’s most trusted lieutenants this season.

The 27-year-old has emerged as one of the Catalans’ best players and has had a huge hand in their seven-game winning start to the La Liga campaign.

Raphinha’s exploits since the start of the season earned him the La Liga Player of the Month award for August.

Furthermore, Barcelona are now considering offering the Brazilian international a new contract, with his current one still running until 2027.

Earlier today, the former Leeds United man sat down for an interview with La Liga after his Player of the Month award success, and discussed his and the club’s form at the start of the season, along with other topics.

Expressing his delight at being voted the La Liga Player of the Month for August, Raphinha stated:

“The truth is that I am very happy, moreover, I think it was an individual thing that I did well and that the people and the fans understood well and that makes me very happy.”

Barça did not have an easy start to the season as they faced Valencia away, Athletic Club at home and then Rayo Vallecano away – a game that they had not had the best record in recent times.

While Raphinha admitted that the challenges were difficult, the players were able to adapt to the coach’s demands and the results were there for everyone to see.

“Yes, difficult matches and teams that are also difficult to play against, but well, I think we started the season well and strongly and we were able to do what the coach asked of us and we were able to come out victorious,” he remarked.

When asked about how he and the rest of the players have taken to things under Flick in the first few months of the German’s tenure as manager, Raphinha said:

“I think there is fresh air in the team. When the season started, it’s normal to change the squad and so on. When the coach and the staff change too, things change. We don’t say anything good or bad about each other, but that’s normal when the season starts.

“You go on holiday, breathe, be with your family, rest, disconnect from the playing environment and when you come back you are more focused on your work. I think we came back this season with a lot of focus and what happened afterwards too.

“We go out on the pitch to give the coach what he wants from us and that helped us a lot at the beginning of the season.”

Talking about what has changed for him personally between Xavi and Flick, Raphinha remarked:

“During last season, Xavi had me defending several times and the truth is that I really like being closer to the goal. I’m a player who really likes to score and assist so I know that the closer the goal is, the more opportunities I have to score or pass.

“Well, on the wing, it’s a little further away and a little more complicated depending on the game.”

Such has been his impact and influence on the dressing room at Raphinha was named one of the five captains this season, something that he is very proud of.

“The truth is that I was very happy. I’m very happy to be one of the four captains, but I’ve said before that being a captain is not just about having the badge, it’s also about being a leader in the dressing room with attitude and experience.

“I think I’ve been able to contribute a little bit over the last couple of seasons and this season as well. Well, I try to help as much as I can and I think that has an impact.”

Praising the level of youngsters coming through the ranks at Barcelona and their impact, Raphinha stated:

“They have shown how good they are on the pitch. Age doesn’t matter. Whether you are young or old, I think the quality is there. We just have to make them play and give them confidence.

“I think that’s the most important thing, like I said before, they play with confidence and they have the quality and that’s much easier, so age doesn’t matter.”

Finally, to close things out, Raphinha was asked a round of rapid-fire questions, during which he was asked to name his idol.

“Ronaldinho,” he responded, choosing the former Barcelona icon as his role model.

Meanwhile, when asked to name the best Barcelona match he had ever seen, the Brazilian chose the 6-1 remontada against PSG in the UEFA Champions League.

“Remontada against Paris at Camp Nou. Incredible comeback,” he said.