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Flick admits concerns over international schedule
Flick has voiced his apprehension regarding Raphinha’s inclusion in the Brazil squad for their upcoming friendly fixtures in November. The Selecao are scheduled to face Japan and Singapore in Asia, a destination that requires a massive logistical effort from European-based players. The sheer distance of the journey, estimated at around 22,000 kilometres, has raised alarms at the Camp Nou.
Flick revealed that he has already discussed the situation with the club's sporting director, Deco, as they look to manage the fitness of a player who has become indispensable to the Blaugrana’s tactical setup. The former Bayern Munich boss is wary of the physical strain, particularly given the winger's recent history with muscle fatigue. "It's something I've discussed with Deco. He's a very important player. Before the last break, he arrived injured, and it wasn't the best situation. But in the end, that's how it is, and we can't do anything about ita," the manager said, as quoted by SPORT.
Managing the captain's workload
Raphinha has taken on a leadership role this season, wearing the captain's armband and setting the tone for Flick’s high-pressing system. However, the coach is realistic about the hierarchy of international football and the player's desire to contribute to a new era for the Brazilian national team. Flick noted that the Selecao is currently in a transitional phase following the World Cup, which naturally increases the desire for every player to be involved.
Flick elaborated on the situation: "He's our captain, but he's also Brazilian, and when his national team calls him up, he has to be there. Especially because the Brazilian national team is going through a new phase after the World Cup, and I think everyone wants to be present and contribute to helping the team."
A desperate plea for reduced minutes
With matches against Japan on November 14 and Singapore on November 17, Flick is crossing his fingers that the Brazilian technical staff will not overwork the forward. The primary goal for Barcelona is to ensure Raphinha returns to Catalonia without any fresh injury concerns. Flick’s request is simple: he wants the winger to be used sparingly during these non-competitive fixtures in Asia.
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Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
The manager was quite transparent about his hopes for the international break, stating: "If we can reduce his playing time a bit, I'll be happy. The round trip to Singapore isn't ideal, but it's not something I can control and change."
Fearing a repeat of previous injuries
Barcelona’s anxiety is rooted in recent history rather than mere speculation. During the previous international break, Raphinha suffered a muscle injury during a friendly against Australia in Brisbane on September 29. That setback forced an early return to Spain and led to the winger missing several key matches for Flick’s side, a scenario the club is desperate to avoid repeating as they compete across multiple fronts.
The Brazilian has dealt with various physical niggles throughout his recent call-ups, which has led to increased scrutiny over his recovery protocols. As a fundamental piece of the first-team puzzle, the club views his fitness as a priority. Preventing further fatigue is seen as essential for maintaining the team's momentum during the crucial winter months of the campaign, where the schedule becomes increasingly congested and demanding for every squad member.