Rakitic, who has a contract at Sevilla until 2024, started the season hesitantly and came out of a lineup, but has a month of crack, with several goals and assists between LaLiga and the Champions League. With that accent so Pino Montano, Ivan reveals how he has returned to his best version and praises tonight’s rival.
They already speak of their ‘second youth’.
I’m not that good now, nor was I so bad before. Something happens that usually happens in football: there are times when you gain confidence and things turn out well for you. I think it bit me that before the break the coach had not counted on me so much. Several details come together, you feel better and football gives it back to you.
Is it a matter of a change of position, as some experts say?
No, I have not changed my position. I’m not a number 10 or anything like that, but I still have a slightly different way of understanding the game now. When you arrive at Barcelona it is difficult to adapt and when you return to Sevilla it is not easy either. In this team we played with great physical efforts and I had to work things like that.
La Liga Santander
* Data updated as of November 27, 2021
Is that where your goals and assists come from?
It is no coincidence that it is more decisive. Now I am very strong and I can finish the games at a very high rate, that frees you to do more things that you cannot do with suffocation. When you have air in your chest, your legs respond better. That requires a lot of dedication, and a lot of details. I already finished last season in a good rhythm, I was not very interested in the summer break.
What details are you referring to?
Well, try to get there first every morning, for example. Or take care of my body even more if possible. I do many things with the physical trainers, I work with my physio at home … All those details count. I multiply the effort if necessary because I love what is mine. I respect others but I insist, it has always bothered me to stay out.
When you returned to Sevilla, many expected you to be Banega’s replacement.
It made no sense for them to say that I was Banega’s replacement as when Barça said that he was coming to replace Xavi. They are two incredible and very different players. Sevilla fans would have enjoyed it a lot if they had seen Ever and me together, I would have loved to play with him.
Do you see, without Ever, this Sevilla capable of fighting for LaLiga?
We must go step by step. Last season was the one with the most points in the history of this club. That’s incredible and I think this season’s squad is the best ever. We have to try to improve the previous season, that is the goal of a club like this, which always looks forward. Perhaps with more confidence last year we would have fought the title until the last day.
You have won five times with Barcelona at the Bernabéu, with matches with the 2-3 that Messi decides.
Parties like that are not forgotten. The Bernabéu is an incredible stadium and now with the renovations it will be even more so. We must congratulate Real Madrid and its president for what that field transmits to the players. It’s nice to win so many times with Barcelona, hopefully I will achieve my first victory with Sevilla. Now it’s time and we go with a tremendous illusion.
Have you been happy at the Bernabéu?
In scenarios like this you can enjoy a lot, although I have also suffered, things as they are. These are the games that one is waiting for and we do it with enthusiasm.
How do you see Madrid?
This is the best Madrid of the last two years, the strongest. It has experienced players and young people who are playing very well. We are going to need the perfect match to win, they are not going to fail.
Does your friend and compatriot Luka Modric have an expiration date?
He is seen with great enthusiasm, I saw it last week in Croatia, how he encouraged his teammates. When Luka is happy he makes others enjoy. I’m glad I can continue fighting him on the field.
Do you miss sharing a team with him in the national team?
Of course I miss him, but not only for what he is as a player, but also as a person. In the Croatian national team we have gone from young children to playing a classic. Luka is like a brother. Hopefully he continues to enjoy football because it is amazing to see him on the field. He knows I love him and he feels the same way about me.
And another friend of his, Xavi. How do you rate your arrival at Barcelona?
There is confidence in everything that Xavi transmits, I would have loved to work with him. The year I shared a dressing room with Xavi was amazing, he knows a lot about football. That he comes back is important for Barça and for LaLiga. I hope he brings all that magic that he used to the grass to the bench.