Barcelona staff miss €90m player’s leadership amid back-to-back defeats | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have lost their last two matches, an uncommon situation for a team that dominated the domestic scene and remained one of the most feared sides in Europe last season.

In these defeats against PSG and Sevilla, the Blaugranes have shown a clear lack of leadership, something rarely seen in a side known for its resilience and ability to turn games around.

Part of this void stems from the departure of Inigo Martinez, who left for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia last summer. His exit deprived the team of a commanding figure capable of guiding teammates, setting the tone, and lifting the group when needed.

But according to Mundo Deportivo, another absence that has hit the coaching staff hard is that of Raphinha. The €90 million-rated Brazilian winger is currently recovering from an injury to the middle third of the biceps femoris in his right thigh, and his absence has coincided with the team’s recent struggles.

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Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has established himself as one of the key figures in Barcelona’s attack. Last season, he played 57 of the 60 official matches, contributing goals or assists in 34 of them: 13 in the Champions League, 18 in La Liga, two in the Spanish Super Cup, and one in the Copa del Rey. In total, he amassed 34 goals and 26 assists across all competitions.

What stands out most is his impact in decisive matches. He was instrumental against Bayern, Benfica, both legs versus Dortmund, both against Inter, all three Clasicos against Real Madrid, as well as in crucial league fixtures against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.

Beyond his attacking numbers, Raphinha also brings leadership and emotional intensity to the pitch. “When he wears the captain’s armband, you can feel it,” said a source close to the Barça dressing room.

This season, the Brazilian has already recorded three goals and two assists in seven appearances, and both Flick and the fans eagerly await his return to full fitness after the international break, hoping he can once again ignite the spark that Barcelona have been missing in his absence.