Hansi Flick and Raphinha: the real reason he didn't play against Girona

The thrashing of FC Barcelona against Girona left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of Barça fans. Despite the spectacular performance of Hansi Flick, the absence of Raphinha took both fans and outsiders by surprise, as everything pointed to the Brazilian getting minutes this Sunday after resting against Osasuna, but ultimately, the '11' didn't even dress for the derby.

After the match, the German coach raised concerns among the fans after revealing in a press conference that 'Rapha' "didn't play today because he had some discomfort. At halftime, I spoke with him and he was honest and told me he wasn't fully recovered. We hope that by Wednesday he will be in better shape."

The reality is that the South American classic between Brazil and Argentina took a significant toll on the forward. First, mentally, as the Porto Alegre native, aside from the harsh defeat suffered by the 'Scratch', was involved in a tense exchange with several players from the Albiceleste over some statements he made before the match.

Moreover, the winger played 180 minutes in two matches, then took a transoceanic flight and arrived in the Catalan city on Wednesday afternoon completely exhausted. Raphinha rejoined the first team very muscularly loaded, with some minor but limiting discomfort, and also with pain in one hand after an impact, so despite training with the group, Flick decided not to take risks this Sunday.

Flick wants Raphinha at 100% against Atlético de Madrid

Indeed, the priority for the Barça coach is to have him at 100% for the match next Wednesday corresponding to the return leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atlético de Madrid, which will take place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. A match that Flick believes could mark a turning point in the season.

The Heidelberg coach is convinced that if his team emerges victorious from the Colchonero's ground, the dream of a treble would start to become a much more realistic possibility. Therefore, and although the German is not one to rest players or do calculations, he decided to take care of Raphinha for the 'battle' on April 2, where he is expected to play a leading role in what could be the first step towards a new legendary milestone for the club.