ZUMA Press Wire
Raphinha scored a brilliant hat-trick to help Barcelona secure a resounding 7-2 victory over Racing Santander. The Brazilian forward praised Hansi Flick's impact and emphasized the squad's immense ambition following their record-breaking start to the season.
* FC Barcelona continued their sensational start to the season with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Racing Santander, with Raphinha playing a starring role. The Brazilian forward netted a brilliant hat-trick to bring his impressive La Liga tally to nine goals for the campaign, earning the official match ball at the final whistle. The resounding win further reinforced the team's relentless momentum under Hansi Flick.
Raphinha expressed his delight with the team's performance while maintaining a fierce personal drive to keep improving.
* Speaking to the club's media after the match, Raphinha admitted he is never fully satisfied with his form and always seeks areas to elevate his game. The forward also noted how comfortable he feels operating in a central role when the collective unit functions smoothly.
"It's always important to think you need to improve in some area. I'm never going to tell you I'm doing well or that I'm at my best; I always try to improve everything I can. I can certainly give more to the team than I'm currently giving. I'm happy with the goals and the victory, which is the most important thing," Raphinha stated.
* Raphinha was quick to highlight the transformative influence of manager Hansi Flick, crediting the German coach with completely shifting his mentality and self-belief within the club. The forward also revealed why he selflessly handed a penalty opportunity to Lamine Yamal during the first half to help boost his teammate's morale.
"I think Lamine needed it at that point in the first half. He missed it, it's okay. I can miss too; that's normal. Whenever I can, I'm going to try to help him. Not just him, but Karim and Anthony as well. I know better than anyone that a striker needs his goal," Raphinha explained.
* Looking ahead, Raphinha stressed that the squad possesses the right mindset and tactical positioning to stay at the summit of European football. With an unyielding desire to create chances and score goals in every fixture, the Brazilian insists the team's ceiling is still far away.
"We have the mentality that whenever we can, we have to look for more goals, create more chances, and it shows on the field. We are much better positioned to score goals, and that's why we have everything we need to be at the top," Raphinha concluded.