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“Because of him I went to Barcelona” – Raphinha Grateful to have worked with Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United

The Brazilian winger explained the role the Whites boss played in his development at Elland Road.

Raphinha expressed his gratitude to Marcelo Bielsa for his teachings, which have helped him adapt quickly at his new club, Barcelona.

The Brazil international moved to Camp Nou from Leeds United in a €65m (£55m / $66m) deal this summer after two impressive seasons at Elland Road.

Most of Raphinha’s time at Leeds has been spent under Bielsa, who was sacked by the club in February, and he credits the Argentine tactician for helping him realize his dream of playing at Camp Nou.

What does it say?

“He is a coach who has helped me a lot since I first arrived at Leeds,” said Raphinha to Sports world.

“He always demanded more, always demanded maximum performance. He helped me get into the national team and helped me get to Barca. If it weren’t for his teachings, either as a team or individually, I probably wouldn’t be here.”

“Apart from having a style of play that always asks players to respect football, he looks for maximum performance in training and matches, he was an important person for me and for my career, I will always remember him.”

However, the 25-year-old says current Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has a very different style to Bielsa.

“They are different, Marcelo has a unique way of working.” “This is Marcelo Bielsa’s style, you name it.”

“Every tactician is different. Just as everyone has a way of life, every player and every coach is different in his job.”

How has Raphinha been doing at Barca so far?

Raphinha started his career at Barca when he scored one goal and provided two assists on his debut against Inter Miami. He is a winger who is very agile and creative, including when he won 6-0 in the friendly match.

He followed it up with another spectacular goal in a pre-season game Blaugrana next, shot into the top corner from 25 yards to give Xavi’s side an El Clasico win over arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Barcelona still have a few friendlies against NY Red Bull and Pumas UNAM on 31 July and 7 August respectively before their attention turns to their 2022/23 La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano on 13 August.

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