FC Barcelona captain Raphinha has heaped praise on head coach Hansi Flick, saying the German manager has played a major role in changing his perspective on football and his life both on and off the pitch.
Raphinha said the confidence Flick showed in him from the moment he arrived at Barcelona in 2024 was one of the main factors that helped him regain his confidence and improve his performances. The Brazilian also revealed that before Flick’s arrival, he had already considered leaving Barcelona because of the situation he was experiencing under then-head coach Xavi Hernández.
“Hansi Flick is the coach who changed my life. I will always say that. He is the person who changed my perspective, both here at the club and as an individual. When a coach gives you confidence, you don’t need many words. I immediately felt that he fully believed in me,” Raphinha said.
Under Flick, Raphinha has become one of Barcelona’s key players, producing stronger performances in attack. In addition to playing in his usual wide role, he has also been deployed in more advanced areas of the pitch, helping him increase his contribution in both scoring and creating goals.
The relationship between Raphinha and Flick has continued to be an important part of the player’s progress at Barcelona, with the manager’s belief among the factors Raphinha himself credits for the transformation in his career.
