Barcelona have appointed an on-pitch ‘delegate’ to speak for captain Ter Stegen | OneFootball

The coaching staff at La Liga giants Barcelona have given the role of on-pitch ‘delegate’ to a leading member of the club’s attacking ranks.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Raphinha as the player in question.

As part of the new rules regarding communication with officials during fixtures across Europe, only one player from each team is permitted to discuss decisions and rulings with the referee.

This role, in turn, has been widely afforded to the team captain.

The problem for Barcelona, however, is that their captain – in Marc-André ter Stegen – takes his place between the posts, and is therefore often some way away from the action.

A ‘delegate’ from the Blaugrana’s outfield crop of stars has as a result been appointed.

The player in question, as per the aforementioned Mundo Deportivo, comes in the form of Raphinha:

‘Raphinha, as captain Ter Stegen’s delegate on the pitch, has been the only one to speak with the referees on duty. It is a measure that is reducing bad feelings in the matches and is giving Barcelona dynamism.’

Conor Laird | GSFN