Raphinha faced sharp backlash from Brazil supporters after reports surfaced that he asked Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti for special treatment regarding his playing time, detikSport reported.
The forward spoke directly with the national team boss about his physical load following a series of recent injuries on international duty. According to detikSport, supporters interpreted the conversation as a sign that the player lacked full commitment to his country.
The 29-year-old clarified his remarks to correct what he called misinterpretations by the public. He emphasized that he only wanted his physical condition evaluated before taking the pitch.
“Maksud saya adalah pelatih bisa mengandalkan saya saat kondisi fisik saya prima dan saya tersedia untuk membela Brasil,” ujar Raphinha, dikutip dari ESPN.
“Sayangnya, saat kondisi fisik tidak prima, kami tidak bisa bermain -baik di sini maupun di klub masing-masing. Itulah maksud dari pernyataan saya; bukan berarti saya memilih-milih pertandingan mana yang akan saya ikuti atau tidak,” Raphinha said.
The winger maintained that his desire to compete for his nation remains absolute despite the criticism. He addressed his overall approach to minutes and selection.
“Saya ingin bermain di setiap pertandingan dan mendapatkan menit bermain sebanyak mungkin. Saya juga mengatakan bahwa, jika kondisi fisik memungkinkan, saya akan memberikan kemampuan terbaik saya,” ujarnya lebih lanjut.
Goal.com reported that Ancelotti addressed the media ahead of upcoming friendly matches in Kallang, Singapore. The manager assured clubs that health remains a priority for the coaching staff.
“Semua klub bisa merasa tenang terkait keberadaan pemain mereka bersama timnas,” ujar Ancelotti, seperti dimuat di Goal.com. “Kami memiliki tim kerja berkelas tinggi, dan prioritasnya adalah kesehatan para pemain, dan mereka akan kembali ke klub masing-masing dalam kondisi baik,” Ancelotti said.
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Barcelona officials and the Brazilian Football Confederation have coordinated to manage the player’s workload following previous fitness issues, Bola.net reported. The club expressed caution due to prior injuries sustained during international fixtures against Australia.
Tribunnews.com said that manager Hansi Flick keeps a close watch on players returning from national team assignments. Raphinha previously signed a contract extension with Barcelona running through June 30, 2030, before reporting for international duty.
Brasil is scheduled to face Japan on November 14, 2026, and Singapore on November 17, 2026, at the National Stadium in Singapore, according to Bola.net.
