Raphinha says Barcelona must keep improving after Racing Santander win

Barcelona captain Raphinha says he will never claim to be performing well enough, despite scoring a hat-trick in his side’s 7-2 victory over Racing Santander.

The Brazilian’s three goals helped Barcelona secure a convincing win in Wednesday’s La Liga fixture, while taking his league tally to nine goals for the season.

Raphinha has impressed since moving into the centre-forward role at the start of the campaign and currently leads the La Liga scoring charts.

“It is always important to recognise that there are areas where we need to improve,” Raphinha said after the match.

“I will never say that I am playing well. I am always trying to improve everything I can. I am happy with the goals and the victory, and that is the most important thing, but we have to keep improving.”

Asked about his role as a striker, Raphinha added: “I feel comfortable and I am scoring goals.”

He also highlighted the team’s desire to continue pushing for more success.

“The players are hungry to win and always want more,” he said. “Our mentality is that whenever we get the chance, we have to create more chances. That is clearly visible on the pitch.

“We support one another a lot.”

Raphinha praised Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick for the influence he has had on his outlook and confidence.

“He is the coach who changed the way I think and the way I see myself,” he said. “I have always said that. I am extremely grateful.”

The forward also spoke about Barcelona’s collective approach after Lamine Yamal made an error during the first half.

“We always have to think about the interests of the team,” Raphinha said. “In the first half, Lamine made a mistake, and that is normal.

“I will help him whenever I can, but not only him. We are one family.”