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Raphinha discloses Barcelona’s position request to Xavi as he addresses the disappointing start at Camp Nou.
Raphinha has disclosed that following a challenging start to life in Barcelona, he asked Xavi to utilize him on the right flank rather than the left.
The winger has struggled to stand out in his new environment after completing a high-profile summer transfer from Leeds United to Camp Nou. To regain the form that made him one of the most intriguing young players in Europe at Elland Road, Raphinha claims he has met with Xavi to discuss his ideal position.
“Yes, I spoke with Xavi and told him that I would like to compete where I can contribute to the team, on the right. On the left, I can’t contribute much” Raphinha said in an interview with Cadena SER.
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He added on the competition provided by Ousmane Dembele on the right flank: “I don’t mind competing with Dembe for the position, I love it.”
The Brazil international, who has been included in Tite’s World Cup squad, has just scored once and provided four assists in 17 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions to date. Raphinha is upset with his numbers but remains determined to prove himself. “On an individual level, it is a bit hard,” he said. ”Being a striker, I like to score and assist and I only have one goal. It hurts a bit, scoring just one goal is complicated. but my teammates are helping me and I work hard so that the adaptation is as fast as possible.”
The winger will be hoping that when Barcelona plays Osasuna in La Liga on Tuesday night, Xavi gives him a chance to disprove his critics.