Leeds United reporter Joe Donnohue has revealed what Jesse Marsch was told by Raphinha as the Brazilian inspired the Whites to survival on Sunday.
Leeds secured their top-tier status on the final day of the campaign on Sunday with a 2-1 win at Brentford. Raphinha scored the opener from the penalty spot with his 11th strike of the campaign in the league – more than any of his teammates.
Writing on Twitter after the match, Donnohue was full of praise for the 25-year-old and provided details of a conversation during the match between the manager and Raphinha. He wrote: “Jesse Marsch in his post-match press conference said that Raphinha came over to the bench during the second half and said ‘we have to win’. Has dragged Leeds over the line kicking and screaming this season.”
TIF Thoughts on Raphinha…
This is rather eye-opening as the winger has supposedly had his eyes set on a move to Barcelona and was trying to ‘push’ a move through, but his clear love and determination at Leeds is shining through.
Leeds have endured a difficult campaign, and they may well have found themselves dropping down to the Championship had it not been for Raphinha. The Brazil international has been crucial on the flanks, and his desire to get the job done has been clear for all to see.
Should Leeds sell Raphinha?
Yes
No
The Yorkshire outfit’s big challenge now is to keep him at the club. He has reportedly attracted strong interest from Barcelona, and given how close relegation eventually was, the former Rennes man may feel Leeds cannot match his ambitions. Marsch will be hoping the board stand firm throughout the summer transfer window.