Hansi Flick responds to claims of Barcelona star being punished vs Valencia | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has moved to reject claims that Raphinha was dropped from his latest starting line-up as a form of punishment.

Barcelona were of course back in action on Sunday evening, welcoming Valencia to Catalunya’s capital for a La Liga clash.

When all was said and done, the Blaugrana ran riot, to the tune of a 6-0 triumph.

The aforementioned Raphinha, meanwhile, played a leading role in as much, notching a 2nd-half brace amid a fine display.

This, however, only came after the Brazilian was forced to watch on from the bench from the off at the Estadi Johann Cruyff.

Youngster Roony Bardghji was instead afforded a surprise starting berth against Valencia.

This call culminated in claims that Raphinha was being punished by Hansi Flick and his staff, for a late arrival to the pre-match activation session.

Questioned on as much post-match, however, Barcelona’s headmaster was quick to assure otherwise:

“No. Technical decision. We decided on Roony because he has been training excellently, and his mentality and attitude are absolutely fantastic.

“And of course, Rapha and Araújo also returned from a long trip. That’s why.”

Conor Laird – GSFN