Raphinha talks Flick, Lamine, Ter Stegen, Ballon d’Or, captaincy, Champions League
Currently on the pre-season tour of Asia with the rest of the squad, FC Barcelona captain and winger Raphinha sat down for an interview with SPORT earlier today, during which he touched upon various matters related to the team.Entering his fourth season at the club, Raphinha has firmly established himself as one of the most important players in the team after having had some issues in his first couple of years.AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementOne of the club captains now, the Brazilian international reflected on his three years at Barça thus far, claiming that he has been living his dream.“I had a dream: to wear this shirt and, at least, to fulfil it until the end of my contract. I was able to renew my contract at the end of last season, and this means that I am doing a good job. For me, it is a dream that is being fulfilled,” said Raphinha.Much may have changed since his transfer from Leeds United back in 2022, but Raphinha insists his core has not.“I’m the same, maybe more mature, but the same Raphinha. The desire to do a good job and to be able to play good games in this shirt has been with me since day one, and I would say that I’m the same,” he noted.AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementThe Brazilian also expressed his delight at having been given the captain’s armband – something he did not quite expect.“Well, the truth is that, if I said it was a dream, I would be lying, because in the end I hadn’t dreamt of being captain. It was something that happened, and to be able to see my teammates see me like that, as a captain in the dressing room, is very gratifying.”As such, when asked whether Marc-Andre ter Stegen should remain first captain, Raphinha spoke with respect, saying:“Yes, in my opinion, but in the end it’s not something that depends on us. Since I arrived he has always helped me, and he was already the captain. In football, there are hierarchies, and we have to respect them.“For me, even if he is not, he will still be a special person. Whether there are votes or not is a question for the coach or the president.”One of the captains for Barcelona. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementAsked what manager Hansi Flick does to keep the Barcelona squad motivated, Raphinha replied:“Well, I think if you are not motivated to play for this club, you don’t have to be here. What the coach gives us is the opportunity to show our value in this shirt, and the work we do well in training. This is the most important thing to arrive well for the matches.”It is no secret that Flick has been a pivotal figure in his progression at Barcelona. Talking about their relationship, the winger said:“He was the person who trusted me to show the talent I have, the work I do. And he was the person who made me captain.“The players decide, but in the end it’s the coach who decides, and if the coach decides no, it wouldn’t be. He has decided yes. For me, he is a very special person.”The arrival of Marcus Rashford this summer has meant more competition for places in the attacking unit – something that does not faze the Brazilian.AdvertisementAdvertisement Advertisement“To play in this shirt, in this club, you have to be ready for all the competition that you have. In my opinion, the more competition we have, the better. In the end, that way one helps the other to develop, and that’s the most important thing if we want to win titles.”On being asked whether this is Barça’s best squad since his arrival, he said: “I think we have always had a good squad. In the first season I arrived, we won two titles.“Obviously, things change, the players change, the coach changes, but in my opinion, since I arrived, we have had a good squad and good players.”Looking back on his own performances, he did not hesitate when asked if the last season was the best of his career. “Yes,” he replied.AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementBut Raphinha believes the best is still to come, as he said: “I always try to look for my best version in training, in matches, in the season. And well, last season I tried to be better than the one before, and this season I will also try to be better than previous season.”Raphinha stated that he remains intent on winning the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, saying:“The Champions League is a personal challenge in my career, and it is also an objective for the club: to win the sixth Champions League. I, in particular, will do everything I can to make sure we can do it. And I’m sure the players are thinking the same thing.”Discussing his new contract, which was extended until 2028, whereas many players are renewing long-term until 2030 or 2031, Raphinha remarked:AdvertisementAdvertisement Advertisement“The truth is that if the club is happy with me, I will stay here as long as I can. Obviously, if I see that I’m not giving my best or I’m not contributing enough, I’m also aware that it will be time to leave.“But, for the moment, I think I’m fine and I’m at a good physical and tactical level as well. Then we’ll see what we’re going to do, but, as I said, if I’m well and the club wants me here, I’ll continue to give my best.”Targeting another successful season. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)Barça famously beat Real Madrid four times last season – and in all of them, Raphinha made a difference. Reflecting on the Clasico dominance, he stated:AdvertisementAdvertisement Advertisement“In my opinion, every season is complicated. And they are Clasicos. They are played game after game, and even if people think they were easy games, for me they were not.“To be honest, the games maybe seemed easier because of the intensity we had and the concentration, but they weren’t easy at all. And they won’t be this season either. They are Clasicos, and every game is a different story.”When asked if a Barcelona player deserved to win the Ballon d’Or after the success the team enjoyed last season, he replied: “I think the award has to be fair, just that.”“Maybe what I see doesn’t matter, it’s very complicated, really. For me, it’s often a complicated prize, but what matters to me is to be the best in the world at home for my family, for my children, for the people I care about,” he added.AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementOn whether his teammate Lamine Yamal deserves the honour, Raphinha remarked: “For me, he is a spectacular player, if it depends on him, he will be the best player in the world for many years. There is a lot of work to do, but he has the talent.”Regarding the criticism that the youngster has faced for his lifestyle and his lavish 18th birthday celebrations, Raphinha defended Lamine.“I don’t understand the criticism for what he does on a personal level. The people who criticise him, at 18 years old and doing what he is doing and what he has, would do what he is doing or worse,” he said.“He has to make the most of it, when he’s on holiday, he has to do what he wants, and it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, he’s a kid who is super committed to the team, to the squad, and the results shut up those who talk.”Talking about the new talents emerging from La Masia such as Pedro Fernandez ‘Dro’, Guille and Toni Fernandez, and Jofre Torrents, Raphinha remarked:AdvertisementAdvertisement Advertisement“The club has a very, very strong DNA, and this allows players to get to the first team a little better adapted than what happens in other teams.“And in the end, there is quality, which is a blessing, and everyone has their own. It’s a good job together with their talent, and their being from here.”
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