Hansi Flick surprised many with his lineup against Girona by leaving out Raphinha (28), a regular starter who had already been rested against Osasuna after returning just the day before from a long flight from Argentina, where Brazil had played an official match.
That game had been particularly tense for the Barça forward, who was targeted by several Argentine internationals over comments he made in a pre-match interview with Romário, in which he claimed Brazil would “give Argentina a beating.”
Raphinha of Brazil
Raphinha came back especially fatigued after the match, prompting the German coach to leave him on the bench against Girona and not give him any playing time.
Flick’s decision was aimed at ensuring the Brazilian would be fresher—both physically and mentally—for the crucial Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, with the tie level at 4–4 after the first leg.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona looks on from the bench
In his post-match press conference, Flick explained that he asked Raphinha at halftime if he was ready to play, and the Brazilian admitted he was experiencing some discomfort.
Hansi Flick’s remarks during the post-match press conference
Flick could have brought him on when Girona equalized through a goal by Danjuma, but ultimately chose to send in another forward, Ferran Torres.
Meanwhile, Ronald Araújo, who also made a long transatlantic trip after being called up by Uruguay, was included in the squad for the Osasuna game at his own request, although he didn’t play a single minute.
Today, however, Araújo was in the starting lineup, giving a rest to Pau Cubarsí, who had picked up an injury while playing for Spain in Rotterdam. Cubarsí did end up featuring in the second half against Girona.