Idman.biz
Former head coach of the Spanish football team "Barcelona", Xavi Hernandez, shared interesting details about the transfer of Brazilian striker Raphinha and his performance in the team. He admitted that he had been planning the player's transfer since he was working in Qatar.
Idman.Biz reports that the expert, while highly appreciating Raphinha's playing qualities, stated that the substitutions were due to tactical necessity.
Xavi emphasized that he was the one who suggested Raphinha to the club:
"I transferred Raphinha and I gave the club the instruction about it. While still working in the Qatari team "Al-Sadd", I wanted to bring him from Portugal, but he stayed in Europe. Later, at "Barcelona", I told Jordi Kroyff and Mateu Alemany that he absolutely had to be bought. Because he is a player with a winning spirit, strong in individual fights and able to score goals."
The coach also clarified the questions regarding the frequent substitutions of the football player:
"The coach must understand that the course of the match depends on productivity. If the game is not going well, I have to put someone else on the field. I had a very sincere conversation with Raphinha in one of the training sessions. He was disappointed that he was being substituted quickly. I told him: "Rafa, we have signed a five-year contract with you, calm down. We trust you, act naturally." I know that the substitutions had a negative psychological effect on him, but now he has really exploded. I am very happy for him, because Raphinha is a responsible, leader and good person."
