Xavi Hernandez has been chatting about his time in charge of Barcelona and his relationship with Brazilian superstar Raphinha.
The forward signed for Barcelona from Leeds in 2022 but has admitted he struggled at times in his early days at Camp Nou and felt that “neither Xavi nor the coaching staff trusted” him.
Xavi made a habit of taking Raphinha off around the hour mark, and he’s been asked why he would regularly change the Brazilian.
“I always gave Rafa confidence and I have a very good relationship
with him. But the coach has to understand the performance during the games. If a player is not performing, another one has to come in,” he said in an interview with Romario.
“We also had players capable of making a difference. I remember a very good conversation with Raphinha in training. He was frustrated and I told him: ‘Rafa, you’ve signed here for five years. Don’t worry. Confidence. You’re not being natural, but calm.’
“I understand that the changes didn’t help him, but now he’s exploded. We already saw a lot of talent in him and I’m very happy, because he’s a good guy, a winner, responsible and a leader.”
Raphinha has gone on to become a vital player for Barcelona and was tipped to win the Ballon d’Or last year after a brilliant season where he led Hansi Flick’s side to three titles.
