Interview with Ivan Rakitic: "You must close your eyes to Dembele"

Basel, Schalke, Seville, Barcelona: Ivan Rakitic made a storybook career. However, the vice-champion of the Croatian world does not see himself at the end of his creative power. He aspires to new successes and seasons at the highest level, perhaps even back in the Bundesliga.

goal and SPOX and met the 30 years with DAZN at an appointment with its sponsor, Adidas, in Herzogenaurach, for an exclusive interview. In addition to his plans for the present and the future, Rakitic spoke of a meeting at a hotel bar that has dramatically changed his professional and private life.

Live the Champions League live on DAZN. Secure your free month!

Mr. Rakitic, how many nationalities are there in you?

Ivan Rakitic: It's hard to explain. I am really in a good mix. My parents are from Croatia but grew up in Bosnia. I was born in Switzerland and I also played for the Swiss National Youth Team. At the age of 22, I moved to Spain. My wife is Spanish and my two daughters were born there. I feel a huge connection to Seville and Andalusia. In the meantime, I live in Barcelona, ​​Catalonia. There are certainly many variants to describe me. I would say that everything is fine.

In which language do you think and dream?

Rakitic: Everything has changed over the years. In my youth in German, mixed with Croatian. Meanwhile in Spanish.

But they also speak other languages.

Rakitic: I speak a lot english and understand french and italian. But my French and Italian have gotten worse because I do not often use both languages. I have been very lucky to learn as many languages ​​in Switzerland.

Your wife Raquel has dramatically changed your life. What memories do you have of your first meeting?

Rakitic: I met Raquel for the first time on my first day in Seville. She was a waitress at the hotel bar where Sevilla FC took me. In the evening, I was a little worried because the next day I had to sign the contract at a meeting with the president of Sevilla FC and my brother and I suddenly received many phone calls. 39, other clubs interested in me. So, my brother and I are at the bar for a drink and a drink. When I saw Raquel, I became even more nervous (laughs). But it was easier for me to make a decision from that moment. I told my brother, "I will stay here because I gave my word to Seville – and because I'm going to marry this waitress."

Has the second part of your plan gone without a problem?

Rakitic: (laughs) Not right now. It was a difficult job. I had to fight for seven months before she gave me the opportunity to go out with her. But since then, we are a couple and now a happy and inseparable family. We have two girls of whom we are very proud.

Let's talk about the current season. How do you evaluate Barca's current performance?

Rakitic: I have mixed feelings. We really have good games here, but between the two still an abandonment. As you can see, all teams are working really well, the league has moved closer. There are no more simple games. You have to work hard.

This year, is the focus more on the Champions League than on the Spanish league?

Rakitic: We are in the mood for the Champions League. But we also know that we need the title of champion in Spain. The club only won the Champions League when he became champion. As a result, we are reluctant to play an excellent season in the league. We must combine our efforts to do so.

His trainer, Ernesto Valverde, is not well known in Germany. How would you describe it?

Rakitic: He is very calm, a real worker. He prepares every detail, piece by piece, always wants his team to make the most of it. I trust my coach and I know what he wants and what he expects from me. We partner very well and have a similar vision of football. Personally, I am happy that he is my coach.

His contract expires this summer.

Rakitic: It would be the best thing if the club decided to expand its activities. He knows the team and knows what he needs.

How has the Barca game changed since the departure of Andres Iniesta?

Rakitic: Of course it is different. Andres is unique, has shaped our game for many years. Even when Xavi left, everyone was wondering what to do without him. But then, it's gone. Just like now without others. Of course, it would be better if both of them were still there and leading us. The most important thing is that they have left a homogeneous and ready team. We all learned a lot from them. Andres was for me one of the most important colleagues I met. He is also a good friend for me outside the course. So it's a shame that he's gone. But we understand his pace in Japan. I think we can do it right without him. And I'm sure Andres loves our game.

Ousmane Dembele is one of your players who makes a splash. How do you deal with him and his antics?

Rakitic: You try to help and help all young players. It is not easy to visit the largest club in the world and withstand the daily pressures of such an association. You have to give him time. He has incredible qualities and I am sure he will do the same. You must close your eyes to such a player. This is also true for these players because they have before them a huge career.

You were at FC Basel and are now at FC Barcelona. Would you be tempted to return to the Bundesliga one day to play the third big FCB?

Rakitic: We have to call Niko or maybe we can see if Manu (Neuer) can do something with Uli Hoeneß (laughs). The Bundesliga has always been something very special for me. I always followed him as a little boy and later, I played there for three years. My time on Schalke was special. If I come back again, you'll see. This must then be suitable for all sides. But for me, the Bundesliga is still one of the best leagues. With Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke are finally among the best teams. If the opportunity arises, Manu will call for sure (laughs).