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Late heartbreak for Barcelona
Barcelona suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat against Madrid in Liga on Sunday afternoon. The team conceded the decisive, match-winning goal in the 87th minute to lose the closely contested Clasico.
The heartbreaking late goal arrived just one minute after star forward Raphinha was substituted. The Brazilian attacker has been in phenomenal domestic form, registering an impressive 13 goals in nine Liga appearances this season. However, his completely unexpected departure from the pitch was not a deliberate tactical decision made by the manager.
Flick reveals tactical shift abandoned
Flick had entirely different tactical plans for the closing stages of the high-stakes match. The manager wanted to use the 29-year-old in a more withdrawn, central position to push for a late victory. That attacking plan was ultimately abandoned when the player clearly communicated his physical struggles directly to the coaching staff on the bench.
"We wanted to play in the last minutes with Raphinha as a number 10, but he asked us to take him off," Flick explained during his post-match press conference.
International break takes its toll
Raphinha simply did not have the physical capacity to finish the incredibly demanding domestic fixture. He picked up an injury problem during the recent international break and consequently lacked the required energy levels. Flick confirmed to the gathered media that the attacker was completely exhausted by the time he approached the touchline and requested the change.
"He couldn't play anymore," the Barcelona manager stated bluntly when discussing the Brazilian winger's physical condition in the final moments of the game.
Barca will monitor Raphinha's condition
The medical staff will need to carefully monitor his ongoing recovery following the initial injury sustained during the international break. Flick will be desperately hoping his star attacker can fully recover his energy reserves to maintain his incredible league goalscoring form in the coming weeks.