BARCELONA, 15 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Brazilian forward of FC Barcelona Raphael Dias Belloli ‘Raphinha’ affirmed that he looks “better on a mental level” than when he arrived at the Barça club, the day before the match against Manchester United, corresponding to the first leg of the round of 32 of the League Europe that takes place at the Spotify Camp Nou.
“On a physical level I was always good. On a mental level it is normal to have some doubts at the beginning, but I see myself better than when I started and I hope to continue like this. Private talks are important and that the coach transmits his confidence to you is positive,” he said in press conference the blaugrana player.
Raphinha predicted a “tough match” against Manchester United, a “difficult team” and one of the “best” that will play in the current 2022-23 season. “I’ve been playing games, I’m in my first season and all the players need a period of adaptation. I’m living my best moments at the club. I’m still in the moment of adaptation and I thank my teammates and the coach for their help,” he said.
Raphinha declared that, at this point in the season, the “fatigue is the same for everyone”. “I see that we are in the best shape and we have everything to continue in all competitions. Playing with four midfielders doesn’t affect me. We have to adapt to all the ways of playing to give the best for the team”, he said.
In his opinion, Barcelona and Manchester United “are two of the best teams in the world” and he sees it as “normal” for both clubs to go through “not so good moments” throughout their history. “You have to know how to change your mind to be the best again. We are going to continue making mistakes, but you have to learn from them,” he said.
On the other hand, he confessed that he will try to look more for his ‘weapon’ from the distant shot. “When the teams are in a low block, there is little space and it is very difficult to shoot. I am going to try to do what I did before,” announced the Brazilian striker.