‘He called me and told me that’… €80m Barcelona star says Hansi Flick has really helped him reach his best level | OneFootball

There is no doubt that Hansi Flick’s arrival at FC Barcelona has helped several Blaugrana players get to their best possible levels. This is clearly the case for players like Jules Kounde, Inigo Martinez, and Robert Lewandowski.

But the player who has arguably made the biggest leap in his game under the German coach is the Brazilian forward Raphinha.

As SPORT has reported, the former Leeds United player appeared in an interview with France Football, and acknowledged that Flick’s arrival has helped him reach his best level:

“He has allowed me to work with total serenity to reach my best level. When his arrival was made official, he called me and told me that I was one of the players he was counting on, without even knowing me or having seen me train. This was very important in my decision to stay. I knew I would be important for the team.”

The €80m-rated Brazilian star was also grateful to Xavi for keeping him an important part of the Barcelona team during his time:

“Even though there were many rumors about my departure last season, he kept telling me that he was counting on me. If he hadn’t been the coach of Barça, I wouldn’t be wearing this jersey that I’ve always dreamed of wearing. Xavi was convinced that with hard work, I would become an important player.”

Raphinha also commented on the ideal characteristics that a captain should display:

“A captain must fight in the best sense of the word: for the club, for the jersey he wears, for his teammates. He must strive for excellence, help both young players and veterans, and also learn from them. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve always tried to make sure that everyone felt comfortable within the group.”

With the way he is performing this season, Raphinha is clearly one of the best forwards in Europe currently. Thus, he is expected to be one of the contenders for the Ballon d’Or, and this was in itself an achievement for the Brazilian:

“To be among the best players in the world… considering where I come from and everything I’ve experienced in my career, just being in the race for the Ballon d’Or would already be a great victory.”

The UEFA Champions League was the next title the Barcelona forward was dreaming of winning: “The next tattoo I’ll get of a trophy I’ve won? The Champions League!”

Meanwhile, Raphinha was also clear that his team will continue to fight for La Liga till the very last day:

“Football is unpredictable; many things can happen between now and May. We’ve had some great matches this season, especially in the Champions League. In La Liga, we’ve struggled a bit more, but we’ll try to fight for the trophy until the end.”

It is good to see the Brazilian acknowledging Flick’s impact on his performances this season. Hopefully, he will continue to play at the level he has displayed this season, and ultimately will be able to achieve his dream of getting a UCL tattoo.