Because of Barcelona star, Rivaldo blames Xavi: Now he is the best in Europe

Brazilian legend Rivaldo commented on Barcelona’s performance this season under Hansi Flick. He praised the players’ significant improvement and expressed confidence that the team could reclaim top honors, whether in La Liga or the Champions League.

In an interview with the Catalan newspaper “Mundo Deportivo,” Rivaldo criticized Xavi Hernandez for not adequately supporting his fellow countryman at the club. He specifically discussed Rafinha’s training experiences under both coaches, noting the notable progress the player made under Flick compared to his time with Xavi.

Regarding Rafinha, Rivaldo expressed his happiness with the player’s performance this season, noting a significant boost in his confidence. He stated, “When you trust your coach, your confidence grows.”

He criticized Xavi, saying, “Xavi almost completely stifled him. He didn’t instill much confidence and often kept him on the bench or substituted him, making things difficult.” Rivaldo emphasized that now Rafinha enjoys the coach’s trust, making his game much easier.

He added, “Rafinha has the potential to achieve great things for the club. He can serve as an example for Barcelona fans. He has quality, a powerful shot, and a passion for scoring goals. I believe he will make a significant impact, and in my view, he’s currently the best in Europe.”