Headline: Barcelona Names Raphinha as Temporary Captain Ahead of New Season
Barcelona has officially designated Raphinha as the captain for the upcoming season. The confirmation follows reports stating that the Brazilian player would lead the team during the Joan Gamper Trophy match, instead of Frenkie de Jong, who is next in line for the role.
The Catalan club found itself at a crossroads regarding the captaincy after the departures of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo. Manager Hansi Flick disclosed the update through the official club media, delineating the provisional captains before the new season begins.
Raphinha Takes the Armband for Now
Flick clarified that he prefers to wait for the finalization of the squad before holding the official captaincy vote. “Raphinha will be the captain because, normally, Frenkie is the third captain, but right now he is not available. Also, Marc and Ronald are not here,” Flick stated.
Frenkie is currently sidelined with a medial collateral ligament injury sustained during the World Cup, making him unavailable for the foreseeable future, which has led to Raphinha being the current choice to lead the squad.
Flick Waiting Until Transfer Window Settles
Furthermore, Flick indicated that Barcelona’s lineup may still experience changes before the captaincy hierarchy is firmly established. “I have decided to wait until we can vote because the squad is still not closed. More players could arrive or some could leave,” he noted.
Flick’s comments hint at ongoing work by Director Deco, as the club continues to contemplate modifications in various positions.
“Until that happens, Raphinha will be the captain, together with Eric and Pedri,” Flick added, indicating a temporary leadership structure.
Temporary Reshuffling or a Sign of Things to Come?
Captaincy at Barcelona is typically determined through squad votes, and Flick confirmed that this vote will occur closer to the conclusion of the summer transfer window. He emphasized that the current captaincy arrangement is provisional and not a final choice.
This means that Raphinha will address the Camp Nou audience tomorrow during the Gamper event, stepping up in Frenkie’s absence. However, when the time comes for the squad to vote, there is still the possibility that they might favor Frenkie over Raphinha for captaincy.
It remains uncertain whether Flick’s adjustment to the captaincy order is a temporary measure or an indication of more significant changes ahead for Barcelona.
Barcelona will begin the new season with Raphinha wearing the captain’s armband, with the decision officially confirmed.
It was reported yesterday that the Brazilian would be Barça’s first captain at the Joan Gamper and not Frenkie de Jong, who was technically next in line.
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The departures of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo have left the Catalans with a decision to make on who takes the armband going forward.
Now, speaking to the official club media, manager Hansi Flick has confirmed the list of provisional captains ahead of the new season.
Raphinha takes the armband for now
The Barça coach explained that he does not want the squad to hold its final captaincy vote until the first-team group has been completely defined.
“Raphinha will be the captain because, normally, Frenkie is the third captain, but right now he is not available. Also, Marc and Ronald are not here,” Flick explained.
Barcelona’s first captain. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
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Frenkie is currently out with a medial collateral ligament tear that he suffered at the World Cup, rendering him unavailable for the foreseeable future.
That has left Raphinha as Flick’s choice to lead the team for the moment.
Flick waiting until transfer window settles
More importantly, Flick confirmed that Barcelona’s squad could still undergo further changes before the hierarchy becomes permanent.
“I have decided to wait until we can vote because the squad is still not closed. More players could arrive or some could leave,” he said.
Those comments provide another reminder that Deco’s transfer work is not finished, with Barcelona still considering changes in several areas of the squad.
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“Until that happens, Raphinha will be the captain, together with Eric and Pedri,” Flick added.
Joining the leadership group. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Temporary reshuffling or a sign of things to come?
Captaincy at Barça is generally decided by squad votes, and Flick has confirmed that the vote will be held closer to the end of the summer transfer window.
More importantly, the German manager has stressed that this is a provisional captaincy list and not the final decision.
What this means is that tomorrow, ahead of the Gamper, Raphinha will be the one to address the Camp Nou crowd in the absence of Frenkie.
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However, when the squad choose to vote on the captaincy order, they could still put Frenkie above Raphinha in terms of incumbency.
It remains to be seen whether Flick’s change to the captaincy hierarchy is merely temporary or a sign of things to come at Barcelona in the coming weeks.
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