Raphinha recently opened up about the difficult relationship he shared with former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez. In a frank conversation with Brazilian journalist Isabela Pagliari, the 28-year-old winger expressed his disappointment and frustration over how he was treated during Xavi’s tenure at the club.
Raphinha revealed that he often felt unsupported by both Xavi and his coaching staff, regardless of how much effort he put into his performances on the pitch.
He explained that no matter how hard he worked, he sensed a lack of trust from the coaching team. “Even when I gave my all in just 60 minutes, I would still be substituted,” Raphinha recalled. He mentioned making several attempts to discuss his concerns directly with Xavi, hoping to improve the situation, but those conversations led nowhere as the coach remained firm in his own decisions and ideas.
The tension between Raphinha and Xavi wasn’t a secret to many followers of the club. One of the most memorable incidents highlighting their strained relationship occurred during a Europa League clash against Manchester United.
Despite having a good game — scoring a goal and providing an assist — Raphinha was surprisingly taken off after just an hour of play. The decision shocked him, especially as he had just created a clear scoring chance and was feeling confident on the field.
Unable to contain his frustration, the Brazilian reacted by punching a cooler stocked with energy drinks on the sidelines, an outburst that left him with a minor leg injury.
The moment was caught on camera and quickly spread across social media, sparking a mix of criticism and support. Some viewed his reaction as unprofessional, while others admired his passion and his determination to fight for his place in the team.
Since Xavi’s departure and the arrival of new head coach Hansi Flick, Raphinha’s situation appears to have improved. Under Flick, the winger seems to have found a clearer and more secure role in the squad.
While it remains uncertain whether Raphinha has fully put the challenging chapter with Xavi behind him, the changes at Barcelona offer a fresh opportunity for the Brazilian to thrive and make a lasting impact without the weight of past frustrations holding him back.
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