Raphinha has admitted he wasn’t too impressed initially when Hansi Flick suggested a change of position this season.
The Brazilian had been used on the flanks for the Catalans since arriving from Leeds but has been shifted into a more central role and has impressed with some stellar showings.
Yet Raphinha has told Globo he didn’t think it was a good idea but realised it was something he may have to do to play regularly in the team.
“At first, when we talked about having to change positions, maybe play some games on the other side, I didn’t take it well. As I said, it was much more comfortable to play in my position, with my back to the stands, being able to see practically the entire field in front of me,” he said.
“So I felt much more comfortable than playing more centrally, with my back to the defender, or on the left side, where I’m a bit dependent on my good leg. But over time I started to understand that to play in a big team or a national team like ours, you have to be willing to change, you have to be willing to want to evolve, regardless of whether it’s in your position or not.”
Raphinha also said that he’s now realised that changing position has been important not just for him but the whole team.
“I’ve talked to several other players and I’ve also seen several other players who at one point in their careers were doing well in their original positions, but as they progressed they ended up adapting to other positions and continued to have good results,” he added.
“I think this was an important point in my maturation, understanding that changing positions didn’t mean that I was no longer important in the position I was playing, but rather that I could – and very well – implement my work and my way of playing in other positions.
“I think that was the most important thing. Getting it into my head that playing in other positions could also be beneficial, not only for me, but also for the team.”
Brazil coach Dorival Jr is being tipped to employ Raphinha in a similar role for the national team during the international break after recalling him to the squad.
