Flick backs Raphinha's fitness call: 'He told me he was ready'
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick explains his surprise decision to start Raphinha against Celta Vigo despite the Brazilian's recent injury concerns.
Hansi Flick trusted Raphinha’s self-assessment ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Celta Vigo, starting the Brazilian despite his recent return from injury.
Surprising Selection
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick raised a few eyebrows with his team selection, particularly the decision to thrust Raphinha straight back into the starting XI following his injury layoff. It’s a bit of a departure from the standard procedure, innit? Usually, players returning from a spell on the sidelines ease their way back with a cameo off the bench.
Speaking to DAZN before the match, the German gaffer explained his thinking behind the selection, which also saw young Gerard Martín preferred to Alejandro Balde at left-back.
“Gerard and Raphinha are going to play today. These are the changes we’ve introduced to play the way we want to,” Flick stated matter-of-factly.
Raphinha Ready to Roll
When pressed specifically about Raphinha’s inclusion from the start, Flick revealed it was actually the player himself who convinced the manager he was ready for the full ninety.
“I spoke with him and he told me he was fine and wanted to play. Therefore, I decided to put him in the starting eleven,” explained the Barcelona boss.
That’s a proper show of faith from Flick in both Raphinha’s fitness assessment and his importance to the team’s attacking plans. The Brazilian has been in decent nick when available this season, providing both goals and creativity from the flanks.
Moving Past Copa Disappointment
The match comes hot on the heels of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey exit, but Flick was adamant that his team wouldn’t let that result affect their league form.
“Nothing changes Thursday’s result. We have our philosophy and our quality. And we also have the confidence,” he insisted.
Clearly, the German tactician is having none of that doom and gloom after their cup disappointment. It’s all about the bread and butter of La Liga now as they continue their title chase against Real Madrid.