'Xavi never trusted me'- Raphinha slams ex-Barcelona manager
Brazilian star Raphinha has criticised ex-Barcelona gaffer Xavi for his struggles during the Spaniard's tenure
The 28-year-old has been in red-hot form for the Catalan giants under Hansi Flick this season, however, he was a shadow of his former self in the previous seasons.
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The La Selecao star struggled to find his footing at Barca upon moving from Leeds United in 2022 in a deal worth £55 million.
Raphinha has now opened up on his frustrating initial years at Barca, claiming he didn't have enough backing from Xavi and his coaching staff.
'I felt that neither he nor the coaching staff trusted me,' the Brazilian told journalist Isabela Pagliari. h/t (Barca Blaugranes).
'When there was no other, I was there and played the full 90 minutes. I gave everything I had to deliver and solved the games, but when there was someone else who could play in my place, I did it without thinking.
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'Sometimes, I was doing everything in 60 minutes and I would take myself out.'
The former Rennes star also said that he worked hard to earn Xavi's confidence but to no avail.
'I tried to fix it, I had several conversations with him, but I saw that these didn't make any difference. He had his way of thinking,' Raphinha added.
Raphinha also contemplated leaving the Catalan giants last summer amid offers from Saudi Arabia but eventually changed his mind.
He has silenced his critics by reinvigorating himself this season with stellar performances.
Flick has undoubtedly unlocked the full potential of Raphinha, who has bagged 35 goals and 21 assists in all competitions.
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The Brazilian is also touted to be the frontrunner for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, having put Barca in a firm position to win a treble.
Raphinha will be keen on making an impact in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan tonight. The aggregate score is 3-3.
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