Rakitic discussed Barcelona’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League after reaching the semifinals last season.
The Blaugrana are looking to win the competition this campaign after suffering a painful loss against Inter Milan in the last four a year ago.
According to Barca Blaugranes, Rakitic, who won the treble including the Champions League in 2014/15 season said: “Based on last year’s experience, we shouldn’t think too far ahead.
“A year ago, we all saw Barça in the final and thought it would be a match between PSG and Barça… and it didn’t turn out that way,” he added.
“We have to work hard in each game and give it our all. Hopefully, we can learn from the small mistakes of last season. They’re certainly ready, but they have to show it.”
Rakitic Hails La Masia
The former Sevilla midfielder also spoke of his delight at seeing Lamine Yamal starring for the Catalan giants alongside a host of other academy graduates.
Rakitic says he loves seeing young stars going all the way through the club and into the first team.
“It’s not just him, it’s the whole team. I think if we go through it line by line, there’s a future for growth right now. Barça can field a starting eleven with homegrown players,” he continued.
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“They’re just kids, because I don’t know if they’re over 22 or 23. It’s amazing. That’s what happiness is. That’s what Barça is all about.
“It shows the importance of the academy, La Masia, and all the coaches who work behind the scenes, whose importance is often underestimated.
“With them, a kid who goes to Barcelona at nine, ten, or eleven years old has the plan that by 18 or 19 he can end up in the first team. That’s happening.”
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