I prefer not to speak – angry Raphinha says after defeat to Las Palmas

Raphinha
Photo: Getty Images

Barcelona have failed to win any of their last three La Liga games – recording two defeats and a draw.

The latest is a shocking home defeat to Las Palmas – a feat that’s happening for the first time in 53 years.

Raphinha was probably Barcelona’s angriest player after the defeat to Las Palmas.

Raphinha was visibly frustrated by the game and the dark arts employed by Las Palmas in the second half, as they fought to hold on to their 2-1 lead.

To frustrate Barcelona, Las Palmas players killed time and stopped play frequently by collapsing on the turf to feign injury.

When asked about the antics employed by the visitors, an angry Raphinha said: “I don’t want to talk because they can use it against me and punish me.

“But in the second half, they only played 30 minutes instead of the regulation 45. They know what they’re doing better than me.”

Las Palmas coach Diego Martinez has claimed they studied and exploited Barcelona’s weakness.

Explaining how Las Palmas pulled off such a remarkable victory, Diego Martinez pointed to exploiting Barca’s fragile wingbacks.

“They are a very complete team, they do things very well. But within the little chance they give you, attacking those spaces wide is an option we focused on it,” Martinez said.

“Going down one side and switching it with quick transitions. It requires 3, 4, 5 quick passes, and just playing direct.”