Barcelona have been left ‘completely baffled’ by Brazilian forward Raphinha following his move from Leeds United.
That’s according to AS, who say the Catalans are struggling to understand how to get the best out of the player.
Over the weekend we covered a report from Spain that explained questions were being asked at the Nou Camp about Raphinha, who arrived in a £52.2m deal from Leeds in the summer.
That big transfer was not working out for either party and some inside Barcelona were starting to question the player’s attitude as a result.
AS follow that up today, stating that the coaches at the club are ‘completely baffled’ by Raphinha.
They explain that sources at the club assure them that while his training sessions are ‘unbeatable’ that later turns into ‘absolutely nothing’ in actual games.
That difference is beginning to ‘occupy and worry the staff’, who are aware of the player’s ‘immense’ potential and are concerned he isn’t reaching it.
The current idea is that they might have to move him from his right-wing position, where he shined at Leeds and earned his move to Barcelona, in order to get him back on track and help rebuild his confidence.
Confidence in the former Leeds star is ‘absolute’ and they are certain that, sooner or later, the Brazilian will exploit his full potential and it is only a question of time before his confidence re-emerges.
That is why they continue to insist that he never gives up, continues to work hard and never stops trying to get back to the levels he was enjoying at Elland Road.
