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FC Barcelona winger and one of the team captains, Raphinha, took part in a fan Q&A on the club’s official YouTube channel earlier today.
And, during the interaction, the Brazilian international made it clear that the team can pull off a comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The 4-0 defeat at the Metropolitano in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final vs Atleti hit the Blaugrana hard, landing a blow to hopes of defending the cup.
Still, inside the Barcelona dressing room, belief remains that they can pull off a remontada in the second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou next week.
“We trust we can play a great match. We believe we’re capable of doing it. If there’s one team that can come back, it’s us,” Raphinha said confidently.
“We know it will be difficult, a very complicated comeback, but I think we’re ready for what’s coming.”
Now in his fourth season at the club, Raphinha has grown into one of the dressing room leaders. He pointed to team spirit as a key reason behind the strong performances under Hansi Flick over the past two seasons.
“The dressing room is great. The players get along really well. We’re like a family. We spend more time together than with our actual families, with trips and training,” he stated.
Raphinha confident of a comeback vs Atletico. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
“There’s genuine friendship here, and I think a big part of our success comes from that,” the Brazilian added.
On wearing the captain’s armband for a second season, he didn’t hide his pride, saying:
“Being one of Barça’s captains means a lot. Since I arrived, I’ve tried to help however I can. Being captain of Barça happens to very few players. It’s a huge privilege. I couldn’t have imagined it even in my wildest dreams.”
After enjoying a dream last season, when he was directly involved in 60 goals and barely missed a game, Raphinha has endured a tougher year this time.
Injury and fitness problems have sidelined him for 13 matches already, while he was also an unused substitute twice.
“I’ve been through difficult moments. Players hate injuries because we can’t do what we love. They’re very demanding mentally. Sometimes you can’t even explain why you got injured. It’s a very hard moment,” he admitted.
Still, he sent a reassuring message to fans, saying: “I feel in very good shape, mentally and physically. I’m trying to get back to my best after the injury.
“It’s never easy to be at 100% straight away. But mentally I feel great, and physically I’m getting close to my best version.”