'I couldn't believe it' - Raphinha says Xavi didn't 'trust' him as Barcelona star explains explosive incident after being substituted against Man Utd

Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds in the summer of 2022 ahead of Xavi's first full season in charge at Camp Nou. The Brazilian did not have a major role in the early parts of his stay with the Catalan side, but he slowly grew in importance for the club with Ousmane Dembele having left for Paris Saint-Germain.

Raphinha has had a super season following Hansi Flick replaced Xavi at the helm last summer, and is now one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or as Barca chase a third European treble. The Brazilian has now explained what went wrong with Xavi and explained why he threw punches on the bench after being substituted against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-final in 2023.

Speaking to YouTuber Isabela Pagliari, Raphinha said: "I felt like neither he nor the coaching staff trusted me. When there was no one else, I was there and played the full 90 minutes. I gave everything I had to and won games, but when there was someone else who could play in my place, I did it without thinking. Sometimes, I'd be doing everything in 60 minutes and they'd take me out.

"There's an iconic video of me exploding when I get to the bench and punch. I think it was the game against Manchester United, where I'd been doing really well, scoring a goal and providing an assist. I think we were 2-2 and he brought me off. I'd just created a really clear chance. I was feeling comfortable and playing really well. And I was the first substitution. When I saw it, I couldn't believe it.

"I tried to fix it, I had several conversations with him, but I saw that they didn't make any difference. He had his way of thinking."

Raphinha had been linked with an exit over the summer as Barcelona hedged their bets on signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club. However, remaining at the club has worked out for everybody as Barcelona target the Champions League crown.