
Xavi: "Lamine es un elegido y ahora depende de él"
Xavi: 'Lamine es un elegido y ahora depende de él'
Xavi Hernandez discusses his complex relationship with Raphinha, addressing past tensions during their time at Barcelona. His insights were shared on Romario's YouTube channel.
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Former Barcelona manager Xavi opens up about his turbulent relationship with Raphinha
Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has offered a rare and detailed insight into his relationship with Raphinha, addressing long-standing narratives about tension between the two during their time together at the club.
Speaking on Romarioâs YouTube channel, Xavi reflected on several aspects of his Barcelona tenure, but his comments on Raphinha stood out given the history between player and manager.
Before diving into Xaviâs remarks, it is important to understand the backdrop.
Raphinha himself had previously described their relationship as âstrictly professional,â hinting at moments of frustration, particularly due to frequent substitutions around the hour mark.
That perception had led many to believe there was a deeper disconnect between the two. However, Xaviâs version paints a far more nuanced picture.
He began by highlighting his long-standing belief in the Brazilian, revealing that his admiration for the winger dated back to before his Barcelona days.
Explaining how strongly he pushed for the signing, Xavi said, âI was the one who signed Rafeena, and I was the one who told the club to sign him.
He explained that his interest in the player was not new, but something he had tracked for years.
âI even wanted to sign him when I was at Al Sadd in Qatar and he was in Portugal, but at the time he stayed in Europe.â
Xavi provided detailed insights into their turbulent relationship, addressing long-standing narratives of tension between them.
The relationship was marked by perceived tensions during their time together at Barcelona, which Xavi has now openly discussed.
Xavi's remarks about Raphinha can be viewed on Romario's YouTube channel.

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Xavi then detailed how, upon arriving at Barcelona, he made it clear to the clubâs decision-makers that Raphinha was a priority signing.
âLater, at Barcelona, I told Jordi Cruyff and Mateu Alemany that we had to sign him because heâs a winner, he attacks deep, heâs strong in one-on-one situations, and he scores goals.â
Raphinha and Xavi did not share a great relationship. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Despite the perceived tension, Xavi insisted that his trust in Raphinha never wavered and that their relationship remained positive behind the scenes.
âIâve always had confidence in Rafa, and my relationship with him is very good.
He also addressed the key source of frustration â substitutions â offering a managerial perspective on why those decisions were necessary.
âA manager has to understand that the match depends on performance.
âIf youâre not performing well, I have to bring on another player, and we had players capable of making a difference.â
Xavi then revealed a personal moment that showed his approach to handling the situation, recalling a direct conversation with the winger during a difficult phase.
âI remember a very good conversation with Rafinha in training when he was feeling frustrated.
âI said to him: âRafa, youâve signed here for five years, calm down⊠We trust you. Calm down, be yourself.â
âI know the substitutions werenât helping him mentally, but now heâs really come into his own.â
Concluding his reflection, Xavi expressed satisfaction at Raphinhaâs development and current standing at the club.
âIâm happy that Raphinha has exploded at Barcelona. We gave him so much support. Heâs a good guy, a winner, responsible, and a leader,â he said.