Former Barcelona manager Xavi opens up about his turbulent relationship with Raphinha
Former Barcelona manager Xavi opens up about his turbulent relationship with Raphinha Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has offered a rare and detailed insight into his relationship with Raphinha, addressing long-standing narratives about tension between the two during their time together at the club. Speaking on Romario’s YouTube channel , Xavi reflected on several aspects of his Barcelona tenure, but his comments on Raphinha stood out given the history between player and manager. Before diving into Xavi’s remarks, it is important to understand the backdrop.
Not a straightforward relationship Raphinha himself had previously described their relationship as “strictly professional,” hinting at moments of frustration, particularly due to frequent substitutions around the hour mark. That perception had led many to believe there was a deeper disconnect between the two. However, Xavi’s version paints a far more nuanced picture.
He began by highlighting his long-standing belief in the Brazilian, revealing that his admiration for the winger dated back to before his Barcelona days. Explaining how strongly he pushed for the signing, Xavi said, “I was the one who signed Rafeena, and I was the one who told the club to sign him. He explained that his interest in the player was not new, but something he had tracked for years.
“I even wanted to sign him when I was at Al Sadd in Qatar and he was in Portugal, but at the time he stayed in Europe. ” Xavi then detailed how, upon arriving at Barcelona, he made it clear to the club’s decision-makers that Raphinha was a priority signing. “Later, at Barcelona, I told Jordi Cruyff and Mateu Alemany that we had to sign him because he’s a winner, he attacks deep, he’s strong in one-on-one situations, and he scores goals.
” Complete trust in Raphinha Raphinha and Xavi did not share a great relationship. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Despite the perceived tension, Xavi insisted that his trust in Raphinha never wavered and that their relationship remained positive behind the scenes. “I’ve always had confidence in Rafa, and my relationship with him is very good.