LAMINE YAMAL STUCK: RIVALDO DEMANDSHANSI FLICK'S CREATIVE ATTACKING FIX
Barcelona legend Rivaldo issues stark warning to Hansi Flick. "He cannot continue like this." Discover his urgent fix.
Rivaldo, a Barcelona icon, is worried about his old team's defence, which has let in eight goals in the past four games.
After Barcelona's 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League, people are wondering about the team's defensive setup.
Alan Shearer, a Premier League legend, criticised Hansi Flick for using a high defensive line and offside traps.
Rivaldo also has concerns about the system, saying Flick needs to change things up.
Rivaldo told SPORT, He's going to have to make some changes. He cannot continue like this.
The former Ballon d'Or winner also said the players are to blame for the defensive struggles.
He stated, Some things might be the coach's fault, but other times the players don't do well in the match what they practice.
Sometimes defenders don't communicate or pay attention, leaving forwards open to score. It's not always the coach's fault; often, the players don't understand what they've practised.
Rivaldo also talked about Lamine Yamal's game against Chelsea, where Marc Cucurella got the better of him.
Rivaldo stated that Lamine wasn't at his best because he was marked very closely. He needs more options and variety in his game.
“He can't just play on the right wing, doing the same thing over and over. He has too much talent for that to be enough.”
The former Brazil player said it's up to the coach to find other ways for the young winger to play better when he's struggling.
Rivaldo said, When he's up against a defender who knows him well, like at Chelsea, it's easier to stop him. He was stuck on the right wing and couldn't move.
He noted, The coach needs to create other options for him: put him in the middle, on the left, switch positions. That way, he could have played better. He played badly because he was stuck on one side of the field, well-marked and predictable.
LEADER RAPHINHA: WHY BARCA NEEDS HIS DEMANDS TO KEEP WINNING
FC Barcelona star Raphinha admitted his demanding nature is 'tiresome' but essential for success. He is pushing teammates for higher standards ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash.
FC Barcelona's Raphinha admits he can be a pain, but that kind of honesty—holding himself and his teammates responsible—is what the team needs.
After a couple of so-so seasons, Raphinha came alive when Hansi Flick arrived in 2024/2025, even becoming the Champions League's top player for setting up goals.
Barca only made it to the semifinals in that competition, losing to Inter Milan. Yet, the Brazilian was key in winning all three major Spanish trophies, putting the club back on top in Spain.
Even though Flick has been reminded that Barca has the same points (34) after 14 games this season, something feels off.
Raphinha was seen cheering up Flick after a 3-1 win over Alaves on Saturday. The number 11 also spoke openly on DAZN Espana.
I think I’m a bit tiresome, sometimes too much. But I think pressing is important. I’m sure my teammates think I talk too much on the field. But I’m going to ask more from everyone. "I take responsibility, and in the locker room, we all hug to celebrate," Raphinha said.
If Barca wants to stay ahead in Spain and maybe win in Europe, it needs this kind of honesty and a leader who keeps everyone in check.
Flick has already said that egos ruin success, and some people think certain players aren't trying as hard in games as they do in practice.
If Raphinha stays healthy, at least we know one player will do his best and make sure everyone else does too.
What else did Raphinha say?
I’m trying to be my best. I can’t play 90 minutes yet, but when I’m on, I try my hardest. I felt tired in the second half. I'm working hard to get back to my best. I want to help the team, and I’m happy to start at number 11.
Raphinha and FC Barcelona are back in action, hosting Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Tuesday night.
BARCELONA TARGETS SAVINHO: MAN CITY WINGER RAPHINHA'S LONG-TERM SUCCESSOR
Barcelona is reportedly eyeing Man City's promising 21-year-old Brazilian winger Savinho. The Catalan club sees him as the ideal replacement for Raphinha down the line.
A recent report from Fichajes says Barcelona has its eyes on Manchester City winger Savinho. The Catalan club is supposedly thinking of the Brazilian player as a possible replacement for Raphinha down the road.
Savinho's Been Doing Well in the Premier League
Savinho hasn't been a regular starter for Man City this season, but he's still managed to impress in attack. The Brazilian has scored one goal and assisted on two others in 15 games for Man City in all tournaments this season.
The 21-year-old has shown he can be a threat, averaging 1.55 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League, with 42.9% of those shots hitting the target. Savinho is also pretty good at passing, completing 79.5% of his attempted passes in the English top league (stats from fbref.com).
His contract with Man City runs through the summer of 2031, so it won't be simple for Barcelona to get him cheap next year.
What Savinho Would Offer Barcelona
Savinho is a solid dribbler and can make some exciting runs out wide. He's got an ability to make key passes in the final third and can shoot with power from a distance.
The Brazilian player can score and set up goals when he plays regularly and feels confident on the pitch. He already knows La Liga well, so he should adapt to Barcelona pretty quickly.
Savinho could add quality and depth to Barca's attack under manager Hansi Flick. He's got the skills to compete for a starting role at the club and could be a good replacement for Raphinha in the future.
At 21, Savinho has the potential to become a star in European soccer. He could even assist Barcelona in competing for big titles in the next ten years. So, Flick should seriously consider trying to sign him this January or at the end of the season.