""There was a lot of self-doubt," he said when reflecting on his first season at the club. "I have a nasty habit of criticising myself heavily, so that pressure made me think about leaving. "If Hansi Flick hadn't come, I would have left Barca. He changed everything. He told me that I was going to be important. That's what a player needs - confidence.""
"Since Flick's arrival, only Kylian Mbappe (56) and Robert Lewandowski (39) have directly contributed to more goals in the Spanish top-flight than Raphinha (37 - 25 goals, 12 assists). The Brazilian forward also made a crucial impact during their Supercopa de Espana exploits last week, scoring four goals and assisting another on their way to lifting the trophy in Saudi Arabia. After struggling to find his feet in Spain under Xavi, Raphinha's career at Barca turned around with Flick's appointment."
Hansi Flick became Barcelona head coach in May 2024 and immediately influenced team dynamics. Raphinha considered leaving after a first season marked by self-doubt and heavy self-criticism. Flick convinced him he would be important, restoring his confidence and reviving his Barca career. Since Flick's arrival Raphinha has 37 direct goal contributions in LaLiga (25 goals, 12 assists), behind only Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski. Raphinha scored four goals and assisted another as Barcelona won the Supercopa de Espana in Saudi Arabia. Barcelona prepare for a Copa del Rey away match at Racing Santander on a four-game away clean-sheet streak.
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