Rakitic: "I think there is a Barcelona with and without Raphinha"

The former FC Barcelona player analyzes the team's current situation and the Champions League elimination match against Atlético Madrid

With the Champions League quarter-final clash between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid just around the corner, Ivan Rakitic highlighted the importance of Raphinha to the team in an interview granted to Mundo Deportivo. The Croatian spoke during the 'Legends Trophy' tournament held this Tuesday in Milan, where he analyzed Barca current state and anticipated a very demanding elimination.

Rakitic expressed optimism about Barcelona's season and particularly valued the presence of players formed at home. "Now they are doing very well, enjoying themselves a lot, I think it's also very important and nice to have many homegrown players. I'm glad that it seems they have learned from the mistakes of last season, and now the most important and nicest thing is coming," he noted. Additionally, he showed ambition for what lies ahead: "I think Barcelona is capable of achieving a clean sweep."

About the Champions League quarter-final match against Atlético Madrid, the former azulgrana midfielder, who scored a goal in the 2015 Champions League final in Berlin, expects a very close duel. "It's always difficult, they are teams that know each other very well. I think Hansi Flick, just like Simeone, will prepare their teams well. I think we are going to enjoy a great Champions League match, I hope Barça wins, but I think it will be quite tough," he said.

When asked about the most decisive player at the moment, Rakitic did not hesitate to point to Raphinha. "Considering everything, he seems to me now the one who handles his team the most. Of course, we talk a lot about Pedri, Lamine Yamal, but I think there is a Barcelona with and without Raphinha".