Raphinha Delivers Devastating Comparison Between Hansi Flick & Xavi

Raphinha Has Enjoyed a Blistering Campaign Under Hansi Flick This Season

It’s been a season of transformation for Brazilian winger Raphinha—on the pitch and in his mindset. After two years of feeling undervalued under Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona, the 27-year-old forward has found new life under Hansi Flick, the German tactician who took over managerial duties in the summer. Raphinha’s on-field production has surged, but just as telling has been his candid reflections off the pitch. In a recent interview with Isabel Pagliari, Raphinha offered a raw, revealing comparison between his former coach and the man currently guiding him to his best football in Europe.

Under Xavi: Doubt, Frustration, and an Almost Exit

Raphinha didn’t mince words when describing his experience with Xavi’s coaching staff. “I felt like they didn’t have any confidence in me,” he stated plainly. Despite putting in maximum effort whenever he was called upon, Raphinha often felt like a placeholder—someone relied on only when others were unavailable. “When there was no other [player], I was there and I played 90 minutes. I gave everything I could give and had an impact on games, but when there was another [player] who could play in my place, they picked them without even thinking about it.”

This recurring sidelining led to one particularly memorable and emotional episode. “There’s a famous video in which I explode when I reach the bench and punch it,” he recalled. “I think it was the game against Manchester United [in the Europa League in 2023]. I had done really well. I had scored and set up 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 was playing well. And I was the first player taken off. I could not believe it.”

Frustrated but professional, Raphinha tried to mend fences. “I tried to fix the situation,” he said. “I had several conversations with [Xavi], but I saw that it was making no difference. He had his way of thinking.” That rigid mindset almost pushed Raphinha out of Barcelona altogether. A lucrative, “life-changing” offer from Saudi Arabia nearly sealed the deal—until Flick made his move.

Flick’s Phone Call: A Turning Point

When Hansi Flick took over at Barcelona, one of his first actions was to reach out directly to Raphinha. The German coach’s belief in the player was not only genuine but deeply personal. “That phone call changed everything,” Raphinha admitted. Flick not only laid out his vision for the club but emphasized Raphinha’s critical role in it. “He made me feel valued again,” the Brazilian said.

Since then, the numbers have spoken for themselves. Under Flick, Raphinha has appeared in 52 of Barcelona’s 55 matches this season, contributing an astonishing 31 goals and 25 assists—a total of 56 direct goal involvements. That’s nearly double his tally under Xavi, who gave him 87 games but saw only 20 goals and 25 assists in return.

Raphinha’s Barcelona Stats: Hansi Flick vs. Xavi

Hansi Flick (left) has gotten the best out of Raphinha this season / Stefan Matzke – sampics/GettyImages

Stats via Transfermarkt.

A Coach Who Cares About People, Not Just Players

While Flick’s tactical system has certainly played to Raphinha’s strengths—pace, energy, and creativity—it’s his approach as a human being that has resonated even more. “He is someone who looks out for all the players, those that are playing and those that are not playing,” Raphinha said with admiration.

The Brazilian winger pointed to Flick’s handling of fellow forward Vitor Roque as an example of his emotional intelligence. “I really noticed that when Vitor Roque left,” Raphinha explained. “I was really moved by how he dealt with that. He was more concerned than Vitor about what was happening. He went to speak with the club to find out all about the situation and he spoke with [Roque].”

That kind of interpersonal care, Raphinha says, makes players want to give more on the pitch. “When someone believes in you—not just as a footballer, but as a person—you run harder. You fight for them,” he said.

What’s Next for Raphinha and Barcelona?

With Barcelona still in the hunt for silverware this season, Raphinha’s resurgence under Flick has been one of the club’s brightest storylines. The combination of belief, consistency, and a clear tactical role has helped the Brazilian flourish in a way that many fans and pundits had always felt was possible.

There’s also renewed speculation about his long-term future at the club. While Saudi Arabia may return with another massive offer, Raphinha now looks more settled and satisfied than ever before. “This is where I want to be,” he confirmed. “I just needed someone to believe in me again.”

Final Thoughts

It’s rare for a top-level professional footballer to speak as candidly as Raphinha has about life under different managers. But his honesty has shone a light on just how crucial coaching relationships can be—not only for performance but for personal fulfillment.

In comparing Hansi Flick and Xavi Hernandez, Raphinha has done more than highlight a managerial contrast; he’s given fans a glimpse into the emotional undercurrent of elite football. And in doing so, he’s reminded us all that belief—both given and received—can change careers.

As for Flick, his early success at Barcelona isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the smiles, the energy, and the quiet, powerful confidence of players like Raphinha finally feeling at home.