At FC Barcelona, they haven't overlooked Carlo Ancelotti's latest decision as head of the Brazilian national team. The draft for the upcoming international fixtures has caused enormous discontent at Camp Nou.
It's no wonder. While Real Madrid footballers have been protected with strategic rest periods, Raphinha has received the call to travel with Brazil.
The discontent is evident. At the blaugrana club, they believe the Brazil manager has crossed a dangerous line. They think he still acts as Real Madrid's coach, taking care of its own and wearing down its rivals.
Barça sees a suspicious strategy
What bothers Barça the most is the difference in treatment. Endrick, Militao, Vinícius, and Rodrygo stay home, spared from minutes that could take a toll.
In contrast, Raphinha is required to make an extra effort. At Camp Nou, they suspect this is no coincidence. Everything is interpreted as an attempt to favor the eternal rival.
The blaugrana coaches had already developed a specific plan to manage the winger's workload. Flick knows the Brazilian is one of the most injury-prone players and needs a controlled schedule. With this draft, the plan is completely broken.
Formal complaint to the Brazilian confederation
At Barça, they won't stand idly by. The indignation is such that the club is preparing a formal complaint to the Brazilian Football Confederation. The argument will be clear: such an unequal standard, which conveniently always benefits Real Madrid, can't be allowed.
The board believes the club is being mistreated with decisions that go beyond sports. They don't understand why Raphinha has to endure transoceanic trips and demanding matches, while his white-clad teammates enjoy complete rest.
Raphinha, victim of an exhausting schedule
The Brazilian already knows what it means to barely make it to the big matches. Last season, he suffered several muscle injuries at key moments.
That's why the club had designed a schedule of rotations and specific care. Ancelotti's draft blows up all the plans. That's why Rashford is at Barça.
Moreover, it's not just a physical issue. Barça understands that psychologically, the player also suffers from feeling treated as a bargaining chip. While his Madrid compatriots rest, he is the one sacrificed.
Ancelotti, pointed out from Barcelona
At Camp Nou, they're certain Ancelotti is responsible. The distrust toward him is at its highest. They don't forget his recent past on Real Madrid's bench or his rapport with Florentino Pérez.
Now, with decisions like this, the Italian manager reinforces the suspicion that he's still working for the white club.
The tension is palpable. Barça feels it's competing against Real Madrid not only in La Liga, but also in the offices of the national teams. In this case, the move has hurt especially because it directly affects one of the players most punished by the schedule.
Ancelotti's list
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), and Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
Defenders: Alexsandro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro).
Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Vanderson (Monaco), and Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), and Lucas Paquetá (West Ham).
Forwards: Estevão (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), João Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), and Richarlison (Tottenham).