Raphinha has been in sensational form this season for Barcelona and has emerged as a [genuine contender for the Ballon d’Or under Hansi Flick](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/3/22/24391048/raphinha-to-win-the-ballon-dor-barcelona-star-has-his-say-on-golden-ball-talk)
It’s been a big leap forward for the Brazilian, who had been linked with a move away from Barcelona in the summer.
Raphinha has now opened up on his early days at Barcelona and admits he struggled under former boss Xavi Hernandez.
> “I felt that neither he nor the coaching staff trusted me,” he said in an on YouTube with Isabela Pagliari.
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> “When there was no other, I was there and played the full 90 minutes. I gave everything I had to deliver and solved the games, but when there was someone else who could play in my place, I did it without thinking.”
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> “Sometimes, I was doing everything in 60 minutes and I would take myself out.”
Raphinha also spoke out about an explosive incident when he was visibly furious after being taken off by Xavi.
> “There’s an iconic video where I explode when I get to the bench and punch,” he added.
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> “I think it was the game against Manchester United, where I had been very good, I had scored a goal and I had given an assist. I think we were 2-2 and he took me out. I had just created a very clear opportunity. I felt comfortable and playing very well. And the first substitution was me. When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it.
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> “I tried to fix it, I had several conversations with him, but I saw that these didn’t make any difference. He had his way of thinking.”
The forward did [apologize to Xavi](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2023/2/17/23604019/raphinha-apologizes-to-barcelona-and-xavi-for-response-after-being-subbed-off) and his team-mates after the incident but clearly found life difficult under the previous management.