‘I owe it to him’… In-form Barcelona star dedicates his stellar season to Hansi Flick | OneFootball

Every great player at FC Barcelona has needed the backing of a coach that trusts them. After all, without the backing of the manager, no player can showcase their true potential. Fortunately for Barcelona, they are lucky enough to have a coach who does exactly that for his players.

While this is Flick’s first season as head coach of the Catalan club, it is still one that has showcased his close bond with the players. Despite hailing from a foreign country with different customs and tactical ideas, the German coach has managed to integrate himself seamlessly into the Barça structure.

Moreover, beyond just equipping the team with a new tactical edge on the pitch, he has sorted out some individual talents as well. Many of Barça’s stars, who were undoubtedly always talented, have seen their true potentials be unlocked by the new head coach.

Brazilian star Raphinha, however, is perhaps the most notable case in this regard. As highlighted by Fichajes, even he confessed that his continuity at Barcelona was only possible due to Flick’s insistence and that he owes this season of his to the German manager:

“Before he arrived, I had already decided to leave. But his words changed my perspective and convinced me to stay. Today, I can say it’s the best moment of my career, and I owe it to him.”

So not only did Flick manage to convince Raphinha to stay at the club, but he also helped him unlock his best version yet. Lethal, motivated, and always a leader on the pitch, this version of the Brazilian forward is undoubtedly his best one yet.

That in itself makes it quite the accomplishment for Hansi Flick, as he has enabled Raphinha to play at such a high level that he is now considered a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or. While it may have been an unthinkable possibility last season, it is now the reality that Barcelona get to enjoy.

With 30 goals and 23 assists this season so far for the Catalan giants, the club captain is a true leader both on and off the pitch. His sensational season is still far from over, however, and his most recent contribution of two game-winning goals and an assist against Celta Vigo only further add to his impressive campaign.