Xavi did the job as Barcelona coach. La Liga title and Champions League tickets. However, it is not to be overlooked that a German without a hint of experience with Barcelona or Spanish football is doing better. For former Premier League star Raphinha, Hansi Flick has unleashed his scoring prowess again.
Under Xavi, Raphinha was a shadow of himself from his time in the world’s toughest league, there was talk early on of flop tendencies and potential quick exits. The Brazilian stayed, fought on and delivered 10 goals and 13 assists in 37 games last season. Four months into the current season, the winger is already on the same number of goals. 10 goals and 9 assists in 14 games is absolutely outstanding. What has happened?
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Raphinha has a simple explanation.
“This is not a criticism of Xavi, but under him I knew I would be substituted after 60 minutes. I tried to do everything in the 60 minutes, but nothing worked. Other times it worked, but then I was taken out anyway,” says Raphinha in an interview with El Pais.
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