09.10.2026 15:00
News that closely concerns the yellow-reds has come from Barcelona, whom Galatasaray will face in the Champions League. Head coach Hansi Flick announced that Brazilian star Raphinha will not play in the match at RAMS Park. The German coach, stating that he does not want to risk his player, also reacted to the busy match schedule.
In the UEFA Champions League, Raphinha's status has become clear at Barcelona, who will visit Galatasaray on Tuesday, October 13. The Spanish team's head coach, Hansi Flick, announced that the Brazilian star will not be on the field against the yellow-red team. Recalling Raphinha's past injuries, Flick stated that they do not want to risk their player's health.
"WILL NOT BE IN THE GALATASARAY MATCH"
Speaking about Raphinha's situation, the German coach said, "This is not an injury, but we must be careful because he suffered three injuries last year and we need to protect him from that. He will not be there tomorrow or in the Galatasaray match either." With this statement, it became certain that Raphinha, one of Barcelona's important attacking players, will not wear the jersey in the match at RAMS Park.
"WAS IT NECESSARY TO PLAY 30,000 KILOMETERS AWAY?"
Hansi Flick also drew attention to the intensity experienced by footballers due to national team matches in his statements. Criticizing especially the physical burden of the matches organized in Australia on players, Flick said, "This is the national team, and everyone wants to play for their national team. This is the mentality of the footballers, and we cannot change the calendars. Raphinha always gives one hundred percent. It is necessary to think whether it was necessary to play in Australia, 30,000 kilometers away…"
"THERE IS TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE PLAYERS"
Stating that the intense fixture schedule forces footballers, Flick criticized the planning of friendly matches. The German coach emphasized that he is trying to protect his players with the words, "There is too much pressure on the players. We need to accept the situation as it is; it is not the best, not ideal, but I cannot change it. I need to manage the players' minutes well." The Galatasaray match, in which Barcelona will play without Raphinha, will be played on Tuesday, October 13 at 22:00 at RAMS Park.