Julen lopetegui is a little tired that the arrival of Ivan Rakitic to the changing room of Seville is constantly analyzed from the perspective of the march of EverBanega and the void that the Argentine has left in the team's game. His decision to embark on an adventure in Saudi football in the ranks of Al Shabab left the team orphaned in many facets for his role as organizer of the game and because of his similarity, the Croatian was called to be his replacement.
The Gipuzkoan coach has been asked the same question several times and does not believe that they are comparable situations. “Éver made us better in many ways. He had a very good year, he also went from less to more and finished at a very high level, just like Reguilón. We have to take care of and look at those who are there, who are now going to help us win games and they have all our confidence. All players need time to adapt but no one has to carry the slab to replace anyone. Ivan comes to be Ivan and to try to give the best of himself and help us. He's growing a lot as a player and he's going to help us being Ivan, not being Banega “, said in a statement for ‘Goal’ in line with the performance of the former Barcelona player.
Rakitic He has even acknowledged that he is not at the expected level and the coach also dropped it weeks ago, although without being very explicit. “I do not make the personal evaluations of my players in public. We are delighted that Ivan is with us. He is getting to know us and we are getting to know him. He is going to help us, I have no doubts, during the season ”, explained the former goalkeeper.
The Croatian recently confessed that he has noticed the change from one team to another and the style of play, more physically demanding than the one used by Sevilla. “It is normal. I need a little time. Barcelona is not the same as Sevilla. They are played differently. We are very competitive and you always want to play. I have come with a great illusion to give my best. You have to pick up the pace, understand my teammates and that they understand me. Every day and week we are getting better. The last two weeks have been very important to me. I feel like a kid. I feel very good. Muscle injuries do not touch me so to speak. I take great care of myself. This is where the decision to leave the national team comes a little bit ”.