Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has explained why captain Raphinha was not in the starting line-up for their home clash against Real Betis.

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• Barcelona host Real Betis in La LIga
• Raphinha not in the starting lineup
• Flick explains bench decision

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brazil international Raphinha was a surprise inclusion on Barcelona's bench for the visit of Betis in La Liga on Saturday, but manager Flick merely said it was to give his skipper a rest after a busy schedule.

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  WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID

  He told : "Raphinha? Nothing special. He's played several matches for his country, and we want to be careful with him."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Raphinha is in the form of his life, scoring 27 goals and baging 20 assists for Barca this season. But after playing for Brazil and the Blaugrana over a concentrated period, Flick has deemed it would be prudent to rest the 28-year-old and back his squad's depth.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Flick may have had one eye on the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, in regards to managing Raphinha's minutes.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News