Barcelona’s season began marked by the physical fragility of its players. Despite the renewal of the physical training team last year, with Julio Tous at the helm, injuries have multiplied and, consequently, reproaches have emerged from the locker room. As reported Atletico and confirmed THE COUNTRYLamine Yamal complained about the rehabilitation exercises. In fact he asked to avoid going through Tous’ working group. He wasn’t the only one to protest: Ferran Torres had to be called up against Olympiacos and then not play for a minute due to discrepancies between medical staff and physiotherapists; Alejandro Balde had an accident with a gym machine; Raphinha prolonged his recovery until missing the Clásico.
Since the preseason, 12 players have suffered 13 injuries, some due to bad luck, others during international commitments, but there are also those caused by recovery errors. Hansi Flick did not want to individualize the responsibilities and spoke of the collective: “I’m not angry with the doctors. We have an incredible medical team. With Raphinha we made mistakes. We all make them. They too. We are human. We believe in everyone, in our staff.” Raphinha went further and blamed himself: “I take responsibility for both of us for wanting to be fast with the team. I made a mistake and that’s why I had a relapse.” In the club, in any case, internal tensions and divisions in the medical staff are recognised.
“I went through a very bad time. They were difficult moments. I always want to be on the pitch, help and play maximum minutes. They were difficult moments for me. Coming back after two months means I need the rhythm of the match,” Raphinha insisted. The Brazilian’s absence has affected Barcelona’s attack – 34 goals and 26 assists last year – but also its defence. Without the number 11, the Barça team loses coordination in pressing. “I think I missed them more than they missed me. I try to give my best. In attack and defense. I’m the heavyweight of the team, I’m way above the boys. That’s how they are. The ones who are on the pitch are because they have quality. I try to help. If I give my best, I can expect more from the team and that’s why I try to give my best,” said the Brazilian.
On Saturday Raphinha played again against Athletic and this Tuesday he will accumulate minutes again against Chelsea (9pm, Movistar). In principle, in any case, the duel will begin on the bench. “Our goal is to reach the round of 16. But we know it’s not easy, not easy at all. The important thing is to give our best, it’s the Champions League. And we’re playing against Chelsea,” said Flick. And Raphinha concluded: “I’ve always said, the main objective must be the Champions League. It has been since I arrived. Last year we narrowly missed the final, this year I see the team as more mature. It’s a very complicated competition. We will do our best to get to the final and win it.”
