"Playing 90 minutes is still too early. I think it's way too early. I was out for two months, right? Obviously, I want to play 90 minutes, but I think that injury I suffered has made me more cautious in moments like these."
"At the start of the injury, I tried to speed up the process a bit, and that ended up hurting me. It's better to stay calm in situations like these. 90 minutes - I can't yet, but some minutes on the pitch to help the team, yes."
"This is a trait in me. Since I was 15 years old, I've been helping in defence, running back, assisting the full-back, pressing hard on the defenders, it's a trait I have. What I'm trying to do at the club and with the national team is to give my best in what I believe is my greatest strength, which is the defensive side."
Raphinha has been sidelined for two months and acknowledges that rushing his rehabilitation previously prolonged his return. Full 90‑minute appearances are too early, but limited minutes to support the team are possible. He emphasises that attempting to accelerate recovery caused setbacks and that a more measured approach is necessary. Raphinha identifies defensive work as his primary contribution, tracing that trait back to age 15 when he consistently tracked back, assisted full‑backs and pressed opponents. He aims to deliver his best defensively for both club and country, and his presence appears linked to Barcelona's defensive stability.
Read at Barca Universal
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