It has begun marked by the physical fragility of its players. Despite the renewal of the physical preparation team last year, with Julio Tous at the helm, injuries have multiplied and, as a consequence, reproaches have emerged from the locker room. As reported The Athletic and confirmed THE COUNTRYLamine Yamal complained about the readaptation exercises. In fact, he asked to avoid going through Tous’ work team. He was not the only one who protested: Ferran Torres had to be called up against Olympiacos and then not play for a minute due to discrepancies between the medical staff and the physiotherapists; Alejandro Balde suffered an accident with a gym equipment; Raphinha prolonged his recovery until he missed the Classic.
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 errors in recovery. : “I’m not angry with the doctors. We have an incredible medical team. With Raphinha, we have made some mistakes. We all make them. They, too. We are human. We believe in everyone, in our staff.” Raphinha went one step further and blamed himself: “I take responsibility for both of us for wanting to be quick with the team. I made a mistake and that’s why I relapsed.” In the club, in any case, they recognize internal tensions and divisions in the medical staff.
“I had a very bad time. They were difficult moments. I always want to be on the field, helping and playing maximum minutes. They were difficult moments for me. Coming back after two months means that I need the rhythm of the game,” Raphinha insisted. The absence of the Brazilian conditioned Barcelona’s attack – 34 goals and 26 assists last year – but also its defense. Without number 11, the Barça team becomes uncoordinated in its pressure. “I think I have missed them more than they have missed me. I try to give my best. Offensive and defensive. I am the heavyweight of the team, I am very on top of the boys. I am like that. Those who are on the field is because they have quality. I try to help. If I give my best, I can demand more from the team and that is why I try to give my best,” said the Brazilian.
On Saturday Raphinha played again against Athletic and this Tuesday he will again accumulate minutes against Chelsea (9:00 p.m., 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 that it is not easy, not at all easy. The important thing is to give our best, it is the Champions League. And we are playing against Chelsea,” said Flick. And Raphinha concluded: “I have always said it, the main objective must be the Champions League. It has been since I arrived. Last year we barely missed the final, and this year I see the team as more mature. It is a very complicated competition. We will do our best to be in the final and win it.”
