Barcelona coaching staff ‘delighted’ with forward, happy with his attitude and hunger

It has not been a bed of roses for Raphinha since he arrived at FC Barcelona from Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

The Brazilian international was signed for a sum of €58 million (fixed) plus another €9 million in add-ons. And given the outlay, there had been pressure on him to deliver from the get-go and make a big impact.

While that has not been the case, the 26-year-old has done more than enough to make an impression on the coaching staff at Barcelona, reports Toni Juanmarti.

Indeed, the report from the journalist claims that the club’s coaching staff is delighted with the Brazilian international and very satisfied with the attitude and commitment he has shown even though he has not always been a regular in Xavi’s starting XI.

Raphinha did find it difficult to get going initially at Barcelona and went through a period when he was not favoured a great deal by the manager.

But he made some important contributions post the World Cup break while also filling in for the injured Ousmane Dembele effectively.

Even though he has not exactly been very consistent, Raphinha has racked up a tally of eight goals and nine assists from 36 matches in all competitions this term.

Only six Barcelona players have managed to register at least ten goals and assists each in a single season in the past decade – Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar, Antoine Griezmann, Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez. And Raphinha is on track to join that list.

The report states that the coaching staff is very happy with his attitude and hunger as he constantly helps out the team in defence and offers runs in behind the defence.

The fact that he was furious after being taken off against Man United last month indicated his desire to succeed, which is understood to have pleased the staff members.

There have been talks about Barcelona having to make a big sale this summer to balance their books. And Raphinha’s name has been mentioned in some circles as a possible candidate to be offloaded. But each time the pressure seems to be on him, the Brazilian steps up and delivers and buys himself more time at the club.