Monday

April 7th , 2025

FOLLOW US

BARCELONA COACH FLICK REVEALS WHY RAPHINHA WAS BENCHED VS REAL BETIS

featured img


Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed the reason behind his decision to start Ferran Torres ahead of in-form winger Raphinha in their recent 1-1 draw against Real Betis in La Liga. The decision raised eyebrows as Raphinha has been one of the club’s standout players this season, contributing 24 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

The match, played on Saturday, began with promise for the Catalan giants as Gavi opened the scoring early. However, Real Betis responded swiftly, leveling the game through a well-taken goal by Natan in the 17th minute. Despite Barcelona dominating possession and creating chances, they were unable to secure a winning goal. Raphinha was introduced in the 57th minute, with the hope that his presence would shift the momentum in their favor. However, he was unable to make the expected impact, and the match ended in a draw.

Speaking to the media after the game, Flick addressed the topic that was on many fans’ minds. He confirmed that the Brazilian star was fully fit and his exclusion from the starting lineup had nothing to do with injury concerns. Instead, the coach emphasized the importance of managing the player’s workload, especially with crucial fixtures on the horizon.

Flick explained that Raphinha had recently played several international matches for Brazil, and the coaching staff wanted to avoid the risk of burnout. “No injury,” said Flick during the post-match interview. “He’s played several matches for his country, and we want to be careful with him.”

The German coach’s explanation reflects a growing trend in modern football where managers are cautious about player fatigue, especially with a tight schedule that includes both domestic and European competitions. Barcelona is still active in multiple tournaments this season and is preparing for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Flick’s decision to rest Raphinha was likely influenced by the need to ensure his top players are fully fit and available for that encounter.

Raphinha has been instrumental in Barcelona’s attack this season. His ability to create chances, break defensive lines, and deliver precise finishes has made him a fan favorite. His stats speak volumes, and his presence on the field often changes the dynamic of matches. For many supporters, seeing him start on the bench was a surprise, but Flick’s reasoning showed that the bigger picture was being considered.

Ferran Torres, who replaced Raphinha in the starting eleven, had a decent outing but failed to provide the spark that fans have come to expect from the Brazilian. The draw against Betis, while disappointing for a side chasing top positions in the league, was seen by some as a calculated sacrifice for the greater goal of advancing in the Champions League.

Barcelona’s campaign this season has been marked by rotation and squad depth. Flick has frequently spoken about the importance of using the full squad, especially with the intensity of games increasing in the second half of the season. His approach shows trust in his players and awareness of the physical demands they face, especially those like Raphinha, who are also key figures in their national teams.

With the Champions League quarter-final approaching, all eyes will be on whether Raphinha returns to the starting lineup against Dortmund. Barcelona fans are hopeful that he will be given the chance to shine on the big stage, where his creativity and energy could be vital in unlocking the German side’s defense.

The decision to rest Raphinha may have cost Barcelona two points in La Liga, but if it ensures he is in top condition for the Champions League, it could prove to be a masterstroke. For now, Flick’s priority remains clear—maintaining a healthy and competitive squad capable of handling the pressure of multiple competitions.

 




Total Comments: 0

Meet the Author


PC
Spiderwan Blog Hub

Blogger

follow me

INTERSTING TOPICS


Connect and interact with amazing Authors in our twitter community