Barcelona secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Athletic Club on Thursday night, with Raphinha making headlines by scoring his third goal in just two games this season. In a post-match interview with DAZN, coach Hansi Flick offered insights into Raphinha’s new role as a No. 9, while also praising the performance of young talent Xavi Espart on the left.

Flick expressed uncertainty about whether Raphinha would maintain this central role throughout the season, emphasizing the importance of the team's overall attacking strategy over individual positions. He noted:

• Raphinha's dynamism, off-the-ball runs, and intensity make him well-suited for the No. 9 position.
• Barcelona created numerous scoring opportunities, indicating a strong offensive display despite only scoring twice.
• The need for composure was highlighted, particularly while leading 1-0, as Flick acknowledged some lapses in focus.

In addition to Raphinha's performance, Flick also commended Espart for his impressive showing on the left flank. He remarked on the youngster’s technical skills and ability to navigate both offensive and defensive situations effectively. Flick noted that Espart, who donned his new No. 12 shirt following his promotion to the first team, surprised him with his performance and demonstrated significant potential for growth.

Overall, Flick's comments reflect a positive outlook on both Raphinha’s adaptability in the central role and Espart's promising contributions during the match against Athletic Club.