FC Barcelona winger Raphinha faces a nearly 22,000-kilometer round-trip to Asia for upcoming international friendlies with Brazil, prompting manager Hansi Flick to publicly express concern over player fatigue and fitness management. Raphinha is one of the captains of the team, but also an international player with Brazil and has the intention to attend when called upon by his national team.
Travel Demands and Schedule for November Friendlies
The Brazilian national team has scheduled two fixtures in Singapore during the November international window. Brasil se enfrentará a Japón el 14 de noviembre y a Singapur el día 17, ambos partidos en territorio singapurense. The cross-continental travel requires a round-trip journey of approximately 22,000 kilometers, creating a demanding logistical schedule for the club captain during a congested stretch of the season. The coach noted that Brazil is living a new stage after the World Cup.
🚨🗣️ Hansi Flick on Raphinha being called up by Brazil:"I also discussed this issue with Deco, and it's something that's important to us. Raphinha is a very important player for the team.""As you know, he returned injured after the last international break, and that wasn't an… pic.twitter.com/riNrRdqq3C
Flick addressed the situation during his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona’s league fixture against Deportivo Alavés at the Spotify Camp Nou. The German coach acknowledged the importance of international duty for players representing their countries under a new setup following the World Cup, but emphasized the physical toll of such extensive travel.
“It is a topic that I have discussed with Deco. He is a very important player. Before the last break he arrived injured and it was not the best situation. But in the end it is like this and we can’t do anything.”
Precedent of Previous Injuries from International Duty
The club’s apprehension stems directly from recent fitness setbacks during international windows. Raphinha previously suffered a muscle injury during an international break, forcing him to miss fixtures for Barcelona upon his return. Specifically, the winger had to leave the previous Brazil training camp early after suffering a muscle injury during a friendly match against Australia.
Flick views the long-haul flights and dense schedule as far from ideal for a foundational squad member. The manager expressed an explicit desire to see the player’s workload managed carefully by the national team staff, stating: “If we could manage his minutes a bit, I would be glad.”
Despite the physical risks and the arduous transit to Singapore, Flick conceded that the decision rests outside his control. “He is our captain, but he is also Brazilian and when his national team calls him, he has to be there,” Flick stated.
Squad Management Amid Defensive Absences
The fixture against Alavés arrives as Barcelona attempts to rebound from consecutive defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Flick’s squad selection is further complicated by defensive injuries sidelining Jules Koundé, Eric García, Andreas Christensen, and Xavi Espart. To compensate for four absent defenders, the coaching staff weighed deploying midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Brian Fariñas in unconventional defensive roles, specifically as central defender and right-back respectively, to provide rest for any of the four healthy first-team defenders.
While discussing tactical adaptations, Flick also evaluated Alejandro Balde, remarking that the defender requires additional confidence to reach peak performance levels within the team’s high-pressing system.
Barcelona returns to competitive action on Saturday at the Spotify Camp Nou against Deportivo Alavés, with the club monitoring fitness levels across the squad before players disperse for the November international fixtures.
Condolences and Support From the Board
Before turning attention to the opposition, Flick opened his remarks by addressing a tragic event: In the name of the players and myself, I want to send our sincere condolences to everyone affected by the train accident in Toledo. We are by the families’ side, we send them all our love.
The manager also touched upon institutional backing, noting discussions with the president and Deco while emphasizing his focus on the sporting project. Additionally, Flick commented on individual recognitions within the club, stating that it was fantastic to speak about Pau Cubarsí and that he also deserved to win the Kopa Trophy. On Lamine Yamal missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Harry Kane, Flick openly asserted that Harry Kane is a deserved winner of the award and confessed to being proud of Lamine’s attitude and reaction.
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