The Brazilian Raphinha gave an interview to the YouTube channel of journalist Isabela Pagliari.
In this interview, the Brazilian criticizes his former coach during his first two years at Barça, Xavi Hernández: “I had the impression that Xavi and his staff did not trust me enough. Sometimes, I was doing everything I needed for 60 minutes, but he replaced me. I tried to improve the situation, I talked a lot with him, but there was no way to think.”
“When there was no one else, I was there and I was playing 90 minutes. I gave everything, I resolved games. But when there was someone else who could be in my place, he put it down without thinking,” continues FC Barcelona.
“There is an emblematic video where I exploded when I arrived on the bench and by hitting the seat. I think it was during the match against Manchester United, where I did very well, I scored a goal and I gave a decisive pass. I think there was 2-2 and he took me out. I had just created a very clear opportunity. Given that, I couldn’t believe it, “he adds.
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The Brazilian continues his criticism and compared to Hansi Flick: “He cares about players,” he said about the one who admitted, called him during the Copa America to assure him that he was counting on him. Regarding his current season, the Brazilian attributes a note of 7.5 out of 10 and ensures that he will already be satisfied to be among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or.
Journalist Isabela Pagliari then asks her to give her own list of players who will certainly be his direct competitors to the next Ballon d’Or, but citing only two names. The Brazilian preferred not to stop with two names and gave his own list of nominees.
“Two? Listen to Lamine (Yamal) first, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappé too … For me, Pedri is one of the best players in the world, and by far, but he is unfortunately not estimated at his level, because today’s football is only a question of figures,” he explains.
To complete his list, he quotes two other Madrid players in addition to Mbappé, who according to him can claim the trophy, but to a lesser extent: “Also, for me, Vinicius Junior is still a serious candidate even if his figures are a little lower than last year, and of course Rodrygo could be considered: he is spectacular, phenomenal, out of the common, one of the best players I have ever seen.” concludes Raphinha.
