Raphinha has admitted he’s trying ahead to the problem of competing with Marcus Rashford this season, saying the England ahead’s mortgage transfer from Manchester United will solely strengthen the Catalan membership’s attacking choices.
Rashford joined earlier this month on a season-long deal, including to an already star-studded ahead line that includes Raphinha, rising star Lamine Yamal and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.
Talking to Diario Sport, the Brazilian winger made it clear that he welcomes the elevated combat for beginning locations.
“Once you play with this jersey, with this membership, you have to be ready for all of the competitors that there’s.
“In my view, the extra competitors we’ve, the higher. It implies that one helps the opposite progress and that’s the most essential factor if we wish to win titles.”
Document-breaking season
Raphinha loved a sensational marketing campaign final 12 months, which he described as the very best of his profession thus far. In 56 matches throughout all competitions, he contributed 34 objectives and 25 assists, serving to Barca safe a home treble of LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa.
The 28-year-old was notably devastating in Europe, netting 13 objectives and organising 9 extra in simply 14 Champions League matches as Hansi Flick’s crew reached the semifinals.
“I at all times attempt to discover my greatest type in coaching, video games, the season,” he stated. “I attempted that final season, it was higher than the earlier one, and I’ll strive for this coming season to even be higher than the final.”
Champions League ambition
Regardless of their home dominance, Barcelona’s wait for one more Champions League title continues – their final success got here in 2015. For Raphinha, successful the competitors has grow to be a private mission.
“The Champions League is a private problem in my profession,” he admitted.
“It’s additionally a membership aim, to win our sixth Champions League title. I, particularly, will do the whole lot doable to make it occur. And I’m positive the gamers are considering the identical factor.”
Lengthy-term future at Camp Nou
Earlier this summer season, Raphinha prolonged his contract by an additional 12 months, committing himself to the membership till 2028. Requested whether or not he might see himself staying past that date, the Brazilian left the door open.
“If the membership is proud of me, I’ll keep right here so long as I can,” he stated.
“Clearly, if I see that I’m not enjoying my greatest or I’m not contributing sufficient, I’m additionally conscious that will probably be time to depart. However, for now, I believe I’m high-quality and in good bodily and tactical form as effectively.”