Hansi Flick praises Barcelona’s Raphinha decision after Sevilla victory

Hansi Flick said Barcelona made “the best decision the club has taken” by retaining Raphinha, after the captain scored three goals in the 3-1 victory over Sevilla at the Sanchez-Pizjuan.

The result maintained Barcelona’s perfect start to the season, with the Spanish club recording an eighth consecutive win since the campaign began.

Flick was particularly pleased with Raphinha’s performance and his adjustment to a new role as a central striker. The manager said the decision to use the Brazil international as a number nine had been made by the coaching staff, while the player had adapted quickly and was enjoying the position.

“Raphinha is playing at a high level and we know his quality,” Flick said. “He is a dynamic, top-class player and we are very happy with him. The decision to play him as a number nine was made by the coaching staff, and he is extremely happy playing in this position.”

The manager’s comments came as Raphinha moves closer to renewing his contract with Barcelona. Flick believes keeping the player at the club would be an important step, and praised the relationship he has built with both the supporters and his team-mates.

“It is the best decision the club has taken,” he said. “When you see how he communicates with the fans and the team, you realise that he is the ideal captain.”

The victory was tempered by an injury to Andreas Christensen, who was forced to leave the field in the second half after suffering a muscular problem.

Flick revealed that the Denmark defender is expected to be out for several weeks. Barcelona will wait for medical tests before confirming the precise nature of the injury and the length of his absence.

The manager also explained the decision to start Dominik Livakovic against Sevilla, insisting it was made specifically for this match and did not represent a loss of confidence in the club’s other goalkeeper.

“I spoke with the coaching staff, and this is what we decided,” Flick said. “It does not mean that I do not trust the other goalkeeper, but today I felt that Livakovic should play. It was about this match only and was not a personal decision.”

Flick also highlighted the contribution of Rodri, praising the midfielder’s influence within the side and his understanding with Pedri and Barcelona’s defenders.

“He is a wonderful player who controls everything and is very important to us,” Flick said. “He gives us calmness when we have possession of the ball, and I think he communicates very well with Pedri and the defenders.”