Luis Garcia brands Raphinha's Ballon d'Or snub an absolute joke | OneFootball

Sevilla head coach Luis Garcia called Raphinha's Ballon d'Or omission an absolute joke after Barcelona won 3-1 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

Youssouf Fofana put the hosts in front on 19 minutes, but the Barcelona captain struck a sublime hat-trick to reach 14 goals in all competitions and turn the game. According to Goal.com, Garcia questioned how voters could overlook such output from a forward who decides major matches.

He said in his press conference: "It's a joke that he's not even nominated for the Ballon d'Or. He is a match winner, that's why I don't believe in these prizes. He does everything."

The absence of Raphinha and team-mate Pedri from the shortlist for the 70th gala in London has fuelled debate. Garcia also acknowledged the Liga leaders' quality while praising his own side's effort.

"Barcelona are playing at the top level, although what interests me is Sevilla. Barca had to be at their best to beat us today. I am proud of the lads."

The domestic pause now gives Sevilla space to reset before resuming their push for a top-four finish. Raphinha will join Brazil for friendlies against Australia and India, and Barcelona want their talismanic captain back fully fit to preserve their unblemished domestic winning streak.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”