Raphinha, Barcelona’s standout performer this season and the driving force behind their dramatic comeback against Celta Vigo, stunned Hansi Flick with an immediate post-match plea—urging the coach to remove one underperforming teammate from the starting lineup!

In a thrilling encounter at Montjuïc Stadium, Barcelona narrowly edged out Celta Vigo with a 4-3 win in Round 32 of La Liga. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with drama and excitement until the very last second.

Brazilian winger Raphinha emerged as the standout performer of the night, netting twice and sealing the victory with a composed penalty in the dying moments of stoppage time. His heroics not only earned Barcelona three vital points but also temporarily extended their lead at the top of the table to 73 points, putting them seven points clear of rivals Real Madrid.

While fans celebrated the nail-biting win, tensions flared behind the scenes. According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Raphinha made some startling comments following the final whistle, aimed at teammate Gerard Martín.

Martín, who has been deputizing as right-back in the absence of the injured Alejandro Balde, came under sharp criticism from the Brazilian.

Sources report that Raphinha, now one of Barcelona’s most influential and vocal players, approached head coach Hansi Flick with a bold demand. He allegedly insisted that Martín be removed from the starting eleven, citing the defender’s performances as a significant liability to the team. “I don’t want to see him on the pitch again,” Raphinha was quoted as saying, expressing deep frustration with what he perceives as recurring defensive vulnerabilities whenever Martín plays.

Raphinha’s comments reflect a growing concern within the squad about the strength of their backline, especially as the season heads into its crucial final stages. With the title race still alive, every match counts, and mistakes at the back could prove costly. The Brazilian emphasized that continuing to field Martín in such an important position could threaten their title ambitions.u

This post-match drama adds another layer of intensity to Barcelona’s campaign, with internal dynamics potentially influencing team decisions moving forward. Coach Hansi Flick now faces a difficult decision—balancing squad unity while also responding to performance-based criticisms.

As the club aims to maintain its lead and secure the La Liga title, how Flick manages this internal pressure could be as pivotal as the matches themselves. All eyes will be on Barcelona’s next lineup to see whether Raphinha’s request leads to real changes.