Barcelona Raphinha believes that he was abandoned by previous coach Xavi, who had no faith in him.
Raphinha has been this term sensational for the Blaugrana under the supervision of Hansi Flick.
Only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (56) has contributed this season to more goals in all competitions than Raphinha (53) among players in Europe's top five competitions.
The former Leeds United striker, who came to Barca in 2022, scored 31 goals and provided 22 assists.
Yet he struggled to strengthen his place in the team among the predecessor of Flick, Xavi.
While he played 87 times and started 60 games, he only played eight full matches.
“I felt that the coaching staff had no faith in me,” said Raphinha in an interview with the YouTube channel of Isabela Pagliari, as quoted by ESPN.
“If there was no other [player]I was there and I played 90 minutes.
“I gave everything I could give and influenced games, but when there was another [player] Who could play in my place, they chose them without even thinking about it. “
Raphinha scored 20 goals and offered 23 assists under Xavi, but felt that he would often be picked up, even if he played well.
“Sometimes I did everything for 60 minutes, and they took me off.
“I think it was the game against Manchester United [in the Europa League in 2023]. I did very well. I had scored and set a goal. I think it was 2-2 and they took me off.
“I had just created a really good chance. I felt good and played well. And I was the first player who was off the road. I couldn't believe it.”
Flick has the best in Raphinha, which has created 143 chances in all competitions, a total that is only improved by only Bruno Fernandes (145) among players in Europe's Big Five Leagues.
Raphinha has contributed to 20 goals in the Champions League of this season, which is only one shy of the record of all time in a single season in the competition, established by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013-14.
Another assist in the competition This term would also see the Raphinha-Match Luis Figo's Single season record of nine assists.
“He is someone who looks out for all players, those who play and those who don't play,” said Raphinha about Flick for Barca's collision with Inter on Tuesday.