Hansi Flick lauds Raphinha’s ‘unbelievable’ mentality after his brace secures Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup win over Real Madrid in Jeddah
BARCELONA coach Hansi Flick hailed Raphinha’s “unbelievable” mentality after the forward’s brace secured a 3-2 Spanish Super Cup final win over Real Madrid.
The Brazilian winger now has seven goals in his last five matches, spearheading the team’s 10th consecutive victory across all competitions.
Raphinha missed a fine chance in the first half but immediately fired Barcelona into the lead. He then struck the winner from outside the area with the score tied at 2-2.
“He missed the first chance but the second one, he was there and (scored) the first goal, and it gave the team more confidence,” Flick told reporters.
“This is what Raphinha brings on the pitch, it’s a lot of intensity and we need this.”
Flick said the forward’s dynamic positively affects the entire team. Raphinha recently returned from a two-month injury layoff during which Barcelona’s form dipped.
The coach hopes this victory will propel the La Liga leaders towards achieving their other seasonal ambitions.
“This final was very important for us because against Real Madrid it’s always something special,” Flick said.
“Again we won a final, and this is fantastic.”
Flick has now won all eight finals he has competed in as a coach, including two against Madrid last season.
He also expressed happiness at defender Ronald Araujo’s return after a mental health break of around a month.
“To be on the pitch and to win this title means a lot for him,” said Flick.
Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup, a trophy they also won last season en route to a domestic treble.
