Revealed: What Barcelona superstar told the referee about Sevilla’s rough play | OneFootball

Barcelona are heading into the international break on the back of seven successive wins in La Liga and are looking like the team to beat.

Raphinha has been central to Barcelona’s success, racking up goals for fun and forming a terrifying partnership with Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez in the final third.

Other than his goalscoring plaudits, though, Raphinha has also emerged as a leader for the Catalans this term, as evidenced by his effort in the recent game against Sevilla.

What Raphinha told the referee

According to DAZN, which released a series of videos recorded by referee Martinez Munuera during Barcelona’s win at Sevilla, Raphinha repeatedly approached the official to demand greater protection from the hosts’ rough play.

In one of the clips, the Brazilian can be heard warning Munuera about Sevilla’s tactics.

“They’re going to break our backs,” Raphinha said. “Try to be careful with the screens and holds. There comes a point when they’re going to break our backs. Once you call one or two fouls, they’ll stop doing it.”

In another incident, Raphinha found himself in a tussle with Sevilla’s Fofana over a free kick, with the two exchanging more than just pleasantries.

The referee intervened, telling both players: “Both of you, he grabs and you do too. That’s not football, that’s called judo.”

A natural leader

Raphinha has been unstoppable this season. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Raphinha’s leadership has been one of the standout features of Barcelona’s flying start to the campaign.

Now wearing the captain’s armband as first captain, the Brazilian has embraced the added responsibility, both on and off the pitch.

He has clocked the most minutes of any outfield player so far and his form has arguably surpassed even his brilliant first season under the German.

With 14 goals in eight games, Raphinha has been simply unstoppable, thriving in his role as the team’s talisman and captain.

The only concern for Barcelona fans is the gruelling schedule the 29-year-old faces during the international break, which includes a trip to Australia and some 34,000 kilometres of travel for a series of friendlies with Brazil.

Flick will be hoping his captain returns fit and fresh, ready to continue his remarkable goalscoring run when club football resumes.