“I love his intensity” - Hansi Flick full of praise for Barcelona’s Raphinha

Barcelona’s perfect start to the La Liga season not only has the team at the top of the early standings, but also saw recognition at the individual level as Hansi Flick, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha all won individual awards for their performances in August.

Raphinha’s Player of the Month Award for August is perhaps the most satisfying of all given how much the Brazilian was criticized in his first two seasons and the complete transformation he has gone through under Flick’s leadership.

A freer role in the team’s tactical setup along with the trust of his teammates — who named him one of the captains — made him feel more joy and less pressure, and brought out the absolute best out of a very talented and hard-working player.

Flick was asked about Raphinha’s form in a press conference on Saturday and refused to take the credit for the player’s transformation, instead choosing to praise the team as a whole for helping Raphinha bring his best to the pitch.

“His moment has less to do with the coach and more to do with the atmosphere in the dressing room, in the training center. Everything helps and he is at his best. Raphinha is playing a decisive role in all the games. He is brilliant. I love his intensity in the games and in training. A player like him, when he gives his all, spreads positive energy to the whole group.”

Hansi’s humility is one of his best qualities, and it really does seem like the team feels closer together in his first couple of months in charge. That feeling of brotherhood seems to have brought out the best in Raphinha, who clearly wants to fight for his family and play his best football to help them win games.