Brazilian star Raphina BOLDLY predicts a Manchester City vs Barcelona Champions League final

FC Barcelona are making it into the Champions League final, according to club forward Raphinha.

Brazilian star Raphina BOLDLY predicts a Manchester City vs Barcelona Champions League final

Raphinha has made a bold prediction for the UCL final (Via X/@BarcaUniversal & FutSheriff)

FC Barcelona is currently fourth in La Liga and recently lost the final of the Supercopa de España to eternal rivals Real Madrid. Amidst a ‘poor’ run of form and an unfavorable run of games, Barcelona winger Raphinha has made a bold prediction, taking social media by surprise. The 27-year-old, when asked to predict the UEFA Champions League final for this season confidently said that his side will make it to the final.

Xavi Hernandez and co. are currently eight points from the top of La Liga, currently held by rivals Real Madrid. The defending champions have managed to win just 5 of their last ten games, losing the other four and drawing one. As for the Champions League, Barcelona have been drawn alongside Serie A champions Napoli in the Round of 16, set to kick-off in the second week of February.

Many fans believe that Raphinha’s prediction will be in vain, given that the club has failed to bypass the group stage of the competition in the last two seasons. They also failed to overcome Manchester United in the knockout round play-offs last year as well.

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The Brazilian #11 missed the final of the Spanish Supercup due to injury. The club later announced on their website that his recovery will determine his return.

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Xavi reportedly ‘fighting’ to keep Barcelona dressing room under control

Following the ‘humiliating’ loss against Real Madrid in the final, reports that Barcelona boss Xavi is having trouble keeping the dressing room under his control have surfaced. However, there are also reports that the dissatisfaction with the manager began well before the defeat at the Al-Awwal Stadium. A source close to the manager said that it is nearly impossible to keep everyone happy in a 20-man squad.

Xavi Hernandez and Robert Lewandowski
Xavi Hernandez has come under pressure after a poor run of form this season (Via X/@BarcaUniversal & BarcaCentre)

Moreover, it is said that certain players are against his approach and game plan. The coach has reportedly told certain players that they have been unable to adapt to Barcà’s style of play as well. It is understood that the turning point in the relationship between the coach and his players came in the 3-2 win against Almeria in December. The boss have his ‘harshest’ team-talk ever, as the club edged the 20th place club 3-2.

Barcelona sporting director Deco also said “it makes no sense” to question the Spaniard’s future at the club. With pressure mounting on the manager, the upcoming set of games will become crucial to ensure Xavi‘s continuation at the club. While there are still rumors that the club is low on confidence in Xavi, their delicate financial situation makes it difficult to replace and appoint a new manager as well.

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