Less than a month ago, much of the conversation around Barcelona Raphinha was related to a potential balloon d'Or Candidacy, with some of the best figures in European football and some of the greatest goals. But since the international break of March, the Brazilian has not looked the same.
Raphinha made the headlines while he was in Brazil for his fire lanes before their collision with Argentina – and the subsequent Beatdown who received the Selecao, complete with the home crowd. Upon his return to Barcelona, he has difficulty throwing muscle fatigue completely. Leaved from their first match against Osasuna after arrival just the day before the game, he was not against Girona.
He was back on the field against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final of Copa del Rey against Atletico Madrid and played 90 minutes, but struggled to influence the game in what his usual way has become this season. Likewise against Real Betis On Saturday evening he got the last half hour to help Barcelona find a winner, but was relatively quiet until the last whistle, when he made the headlines for his furious response to the officials.
According to Sport, Flick spoke with Raphinha about his behavior after the game, while one of their main columnists Toni Juanmarti noticed on Siempre Positivo Podcast that the Brazilian struggled for his rhythm since he returned from international service. It is a matter that has influenced him both physically and mentally since the match against Argentina.
Flick will undoubtedly be desperate to ensure that Raphinha is back at his best for the last two Motnhs of the season, as decisive encounters approach. Few players can confirm that they have made more effort this season than Raphinha, and maybe it is just a case of charging his batteries for that run-in.
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