Raphinha: 'Before I was working at 100%, now 200%'

“We are looking to improve daily, match after match. It’s an important week, a very special one and if we want to play like Barça we have to be prepared for it. We are working very hard and we are focused on the challenges ahead of us.” Raphinha appeared focused ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich in his pre-game press conference on Tuesday, referring also to the other big game of the week, the Clásico on Sunday against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu.  

The Barça winger called the Bavarians visit to the Estadi Olímpic a “very important and special” game, “even though we are not thinking about revenge, we want the three points,” added the Brazilian.  

On the eve of his 100th appearance as a blaugrana, Raphinha also touched on the reasons behind his excellent recent form. “Confidence from the coach and from my team mates is very important for me and I am always ready to learn,” he revealed. 

“I started the season with a different mentality, and I knew that playing in this Club I would have to adapt to playing in different positions. I am really happy about how things are going. If before I was working at 100%, now it’s 200%. I want to give my best for the Club.”  

Raphinha this season has become a key figure in the team and he is also now one of the four club captains. “It’s a source of great pride to wear the armband, not just on the field but off it and in the dressing room. Listening to everyone, helping everyone as much as I can. I am always ready for my team mates and it’s a happy, emotional thing to be captain,” said the Brazilian.  

“I ended the game last season against PSG very sad. We were close to going through and that affected me. But now, fortunately, we are in the Champions League again, we have new objectives and we have to go step by step. We know we have to win as many trophies as we can and we will fight in the Champions League until the end. If it is not this one, then we will go for the next one. Working as we are, we are closer,” concluded the Barça winger.