Raphinha surprises Hansi Flick with an urgent request immediately after the match, demanding the exclusion of the team’s disastrous player from the starting lineup.

Barcelona’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo at Montjuïc Stadium was nothing short of electrifying, with Brazilian winger Raphinha emerging as the undisputed hero of the night. Scoring two vital goals, including a last-gasp penalty, the 27-year-old helped secure a vital win for Hansi Flick’s side as they continue their chase for the La Liga title.

But behind the celebrations and the euphoric scenes in the dressing room, a storm was brewing.

According to reports from El Nacional, Raphinha wasted no time after the final whistle in confronting head coach Hansi Flick with a rather unexpected and urgent demand: the immediate exclusion of Barcelona’s young full-back Gerard Martín from the starting XI.

The Brazilian’s emotional outburst came after what he described as “yet another disasterclass” from Martín, who continues to deputize at right-back following Alejandro Balde’s long-term injury. Raphinha was reportedly furious with Martín’s positioning and defensive awareness, which he believes nearly cost Barcelona the match.

“I don’t want to see him on the pitch again,” Raphinha is said to have told Flick with a mixture of frustration and concern. The winger believes that Martín’s flaws have become a liability, especially with crucial matches ahead that could define the season.

Raphinha’s frustrations weren’t born out of a single moment of recklessness. Throughout the match against Celta, the left side of Barcelona’s defense looked exposed time and time again. Martín, despite his work rate and determination, struggled to deal with Celta’s wingers, often allowing crosses and creating dangerous openings.

While Barcelona did manage to claim all three points, they did so in a nervy fashion. The match saw multiple lead changes, and it was only Raphinha’s calm under pressure in the dying moments that allowed the Blaugrana to breathe a sigh of relief. But for the Brazilian, relief wasn’t enough. He wants guarantees.

Sources close to the squad have revealed that Raphinha had already voiced concerns about Martín in previous matches but held back his criticism publicly. However, this time, the tension finally boiled over, given the stakes and the proximity of decisive fixtures in La Liga and the Champions League.

Hansi Flick, who has worked hard to build a harmonious dressing room since his arrival, now finds himself in a delicate situation. While Raphinha’s opinion carries weight due to his stellar form, removing Martín without a reliable replacement could further stretch the squad’s depth.

Alejandro Balde’s absence has already left a gaping hole in Barcelona’s defensive structure. And while Martín’s performances have been far from perfect, the coaching staff sees him as a developing talent who needs guidance, not public condemnation.

Still, Raphinha’s viewpoint resonates with fans and analysts who’ve grown increasingly concerned with the vulnerability on that flank. As Barcelona prepares to face tougher opposition, Flick will have to balance player morale, tactical efficiency, and dressing room unity.

Interestingly, Raphinha’s leadership is beginning to shine in more ways than just his on-field contributions. He’s become more vocal, more driven, and more invested in the collective success of the team. His demand wasn’t made out of personal animosity, but rather a burning desire to see Barcelona return to dominance.

This incident might also serve as a wake-up call for Gerard Martín. While he has shown promise in moments, the reality of performing consistently at a club like Barcelona is unforgiving. The pressure to step up in Balde’s absence is immense, and mistakes are not taken lightly—especially when titles are on the line.

Barcelona’s next match will be watched closely, not just for the result, but for the lineup choices Flick makes. Will he heed Raphinha’s call and bench Martín? Or will he stand by the youngster and risk further internal unrest?

Only time will tell. But one thing is clear—Barcelona’s path to glory this season will not be smooth. Internal conflicts, injuries, and tactical dilemmas are all part of the journey. And as always, the biggest clubs often face their greatest battles behind closed doors.

As for Raphinha, his passion, hunger, and commitment to winning have never been in question. Whether his dramatic request becomes a turning point or a distraction remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain—his words have ignited a new conversation at the heart of Camp Nou.