‘I was very happy to be chosen’ - Raphinha talks Barcelona captaincy, helping Dani Olmo

There is very little doubt that no Barcelona player has benefitted more from Hansi Flick’s arrival than Raphinha, as the Brazilian looks a man reborn under the new manager and is enjoying the best form of his Barça career as the Blaugrana made a perfect start to the season with four wins out of four.

Raphinha was the subject of plenty of interest in the summer but rejected several offers to leave, then was named one of the captains and began to thrive in a new, freer role with Flick in charge.

The Brazilian spoke to the club’s media this week about his great form, the team’s early success, and how he’s performed his role as captain by helping new signing Dani Olmo adapt to life at the club.

“Being captain is more about your personality. In my opinion, Robert [Lewandowski] could be captain, Jules [Kounde] could be captain... many could be chosen as captains and act as such inside the dressing room. I was very happy to be elected. If I told you I expected to be chosen, I’d be lying. But it made me very happy because it means that I’m doing something well, in the dressing room, that both the youngsters and veterans notice. Being a captain is not just about the status, it’s about being ready to help in everything they need, to fight for those to who need help, to help them on and off the pitch. I was very happy [they saw that in me].

“Dani [Olmo] has arrived and given us a lot. And we surely help him too, and that makes us a real team, a family. We have to help each other. This is good for the club and for ourselves. We all have our individual and collective goals, and we’ll only achieve them if we help each other. And Olmo has arrived here and shown why Barça wanted to sign him. He arrived wanting to help the team, and the least we can do is help him adapt to the club. Anything he needs, I’ll be there.”

Source: Marca

It’s wonderful to see Raphinha fully embracing the leadership role that comes with being elected a captain, and perhaps that vote of confidence given by his teammates has also helped him play better, with more joy and freedom.

It is also no surprise that he’s such a great teammate who wants to help new signings settle down and be there for everyone who needs help. That was his reputation in all of his previous stops, and thanks to his improved form he finally gets to be praised for his work off the pitch as well.