Raphinha opens up on turbulent relationship with Xavi

Due to his playing time from the previous season, FC Barcelona winger Raphinha has made a thinly veiled jab at former manager Xavi Hernandez. With Hansi Flick helping him reach a new level of play, the Brazil international is having an incredible start to his third campaign in Catalonia.

As evidence of his improvement, he has already scored six La Liga goals, matching his overall record from the entire previous campaign. His seven goals in Barcelona were his season-high. The 27-year-old's answer has kept him in the team as Flick has handed him greater responsibilities, notably the captaincy on occasion. Raphinha made 11 cameos off the bench and played just 17 league matches last season. During the ninety minutes, he expressed his belief that Xavi didn't trust him.

During an interview with El Paris, the former Leeds United attacker said, “It’s not a criticism of Xavi. But with him, I knew I was going to be subbed off in the 60th minute. I tried to do everything in those 60 minutes, but nothing 
worked. And other times, when things did work, I was taken off anyway.”

Xavi saved Lamine Yamal from joining PSG

If it weren't for Xavi, Lamine Yamal may be playing for Paris Saint-Germain. The kid was only 15 years old and set to become a professional when the Parisian club reportedly made a sizable offer for him. At La Masia, there was a great deal of distress because the youth academy was in danger of forfeiting one of its most important pledges for nothing. 

Xavi, the manager at the time, took over at that point. According to reports, Xavi made a deal offer to a teenage Yamal and the then-agent, Iván de la Peña, in a conversation with the player. Yamal would play for FC Barcelona right away if that was his desire. If he agreed to extend his contract, he would receive an opportunity and make his first team debut.