Raphinha's confession about his choice as captain surprises FC Barcelona

Published:13/09/2024 - 18:35h

Updated:13/09/2024 - 20:35h

Raphinha reviewed his 'exhilarating' moment at Barça in an interview with 'Barça One'. The Brazilian revealed details of his choice as one of the first team captains, and made clear his aspirations for this season

Raphinha is having a great time at FC Barcelona. After a couple of seasons in which he was heavily questioned by the Barça fans, the Brazilian has turned his situation around in Barcelona and has managed to win the affection of the dressing room and the fans during this new campaign. He spoke about this during an interview with 'Barça One', where he said that "I am going through my best moment here. I can still improve more and I think I can help the team a lot. We are doing very well. When you win the first four games, everything is easier."

Barça's unbeaten run in LaLiga

And the perfect start to Hansi Flick's project has raised the expectations of Barcelona fans, but 'Rapha' keeps his feet on the ground, aware that there is still a long way to go. "We know that people are super excited about us, but we also know that the season has just started and we have to continue like this. We won four games that have passed and we have to think ahead. I think we are very focused, working hard, well, the whole squad is focused on doing many good things," he commented.

The German coach has a large share of responsibility for the level shown on the field by the South American, although he himself revealed that "individually, Hansi Flick does not ask anything special of me, I think he does not ask it of any player." However, the German's instructions to the locker room are quite clear.

"What he asks is that we be a team, that when we attack, we attack together, that when we press, we all press together and when we have to defend, we all do it. Only in this way will we win the games"

"In the end it is a game of eleven against eleven, on the other side there is a team that works hard during the week and when the rivals give 200 percent, they give their life. We cannot fail, we must be ready to defend and attack. That is what he asks," continued the Porto Alegre native.

The choice of Raphinha as captain

Raphinha was the protagonist of one of the surprises of the season when he was chosen as one of the captains of the first team, although the player believes that there are other teammates who could have taken his place. "Being captain is something more of a profile. For example, Robert (Lewandowski), Jules (Koundé), could also very well be captains. There are many who can be captains in this locker room," he said, later confessing his surprise at learning of the choice.

"I was very happy with the choice, if I tell you I expected it, I'm lying"

The winger made clear the excitement that his new role has generated for him, which has meant an extra for the footballer on an emotional level. "This means that what I do internally, the boys and veterans see it. Being captain is being there ready to play and help in everything that is necessary and fight for everything that is needed, whether off or on the field. It made me very excited," he said.

The importance of the tie against PSG and his aspirations

'Rapha' said that the Champions League tie against PSG was a before and after for his situation at the club. "The Champions League tie against PSG. I highlight two elements, they were my two best individual games in the Champions League and the feeling of not having been enough to go to the next phase, but the tie gave me much more confidence and made me believe in myself. People also knew that I could contribute to the team and trust," he commented.

Finally, Raphinha revealed his and the team's aspirations for the current season. "When you come to play for a team like Barça you have to have in mind to fight for everything you are going to play for. Champions League, League, Cup, Super Cup..."