Raphinha criticism grows as Ancelotti’s Brazil call-ups frustrate Barcelona

Alfredo Martinez has criticised Carlo Ancelotti for repeatedly selecting Raphinha for Brazil despite the Barcelona forward’s recent injury problems.

The Onda Cero sports journalist and football commentator says Ancelotti’s management of Brazil has significantly affected Barcelona, with Raphinha returning injured from each of his last three international call-ups.

Writing in the Catalan newspaper Sport on Sunday, Martinez said his argument was not based on Ancelotti’s long association with Real Madrid, but on the facts and figures since the Italian became Brazil head coach.

Raphinha’s call-up in April, before the World Cup, meant Barcelona were without him for their Copa del Rey and Champions League knockout matches against Atletico de Madrid. The player also returned from the World Cup injured.

Before the first international break of this season, Raphinha had been in outstanding form and was one of the leading scorers and biggest stars in the Spanish league. He suffered another injury while away with Brazil and has not completed a full match since returning.

‘Why does he not rebel?’

Martinez said Raphinha also bore some responsibility, although to a lesser degree. As one of Brazil’s leaders, the journalist believes the forward should have enough influence and a direct enough relationship with Ancelotti to explain that being selected at this stage is harming him both professionally and in the eyes of the club paying his wages.

Barcelona members and supporters are reportedly extremely angry, Martinez wrote, adding that they could not understand why Raphinha had not tried to resist what he described as the treatment being imposed on him.

“Apologies to captain Raphinha, because I admire him and believe he is a great player who is performing brilliantly for Barcelona,” Martinez said. “But perhaps he could do something fairer for the club that pays his salary, particularly as Brazil are only playing friendly matches.”

The journalist said he understood Ancelotti’s desire to select the best players available and get the maximum from them. However, he argued that friendly internationals should provide an opportunity for the Italian to assess new talent.

Martinez also discussed Vinicius Junior, whose situation he considered different. The Real Madrid player is experiencing a dip in form and needs match minutes, while he is suspended until the end of November, meaning the call-up could benefit him.

Criticism of ‘double standards’

Martinez further accused Ancelotti of applying “double standards” to Brazilian clubs. He noted that no Palmeiras player had been selected, following a request from the Brazilian Football Confederation because of the club’s domestic commitments and the Copa Libertadores final.

“Was Barcelona not in the middle of its season last April, when it played the Copa del Rey knockout rounds, including the semi-final against Atletico de Madrid, as well as the Champions League quarter-final against the same team?” he asked.

Martinez called on FIFA and international organisations to limit call-ups during friendly periods. He said selections for the World Cup, knockout stages and Copa America were understandable despite the heavy schedule, but that long-haul travel for camps and friendlies against unfamiliar opponents in the middle of the club season should not continue.