RAKITIC : "IF MESSI SAYS SOMETHING , WE ALL FOLLOW "

Ivan Rakitic spoke to the press ahead of Barcelona's clash with Liverpool, highlighting the demanding nature of the competition and explaining how motivated his team are.

All eyes will be on the Camp Nou on Wednesday as Liverpool take on Barcelonain a mouthwatering Champions League semi-final tie, but Ivan Rakitic was still delighted from Barcelona's La Liga triumph at the weekend.

"Arriving after winning LaLiga is tremendous. We're really looking forward to the match. We want to enjoy it - the best is still to come" said the Balkan.

The midfielder also suggested that there is no added pressure to win Europe's biggest continental competition as Barça look to complete a remarkable treble.

"We aren't demanded to win the Champions League, but we do want to win it. There is plenty of pressure, but we have a lot of confidence. It will be complicated but we want to complete the perfect season," he confessed.
Leo Messi's desire

Rakitic went on to to praise the leadership of Lionel Messi, and brought up the Argentinian superstar's words at the start of the season as he challenged the team to conquer Europe once more.

"When Messi says something, we all follow. What he said at the beginning of the season doesn't add extra pressure on us. We have a demand of our own and if a guy like Leo has such a big desire... It's a privilege to follow the best in the world," added the Croatian.


When asked if Barcelona's captain had an extra motivation to win the Champions League after three straight years of quarter-final defeats, the midfielder highlighted the calm nature of the Rosario-born attacker.

"Messi has won four Champions Leagues, I do not think he gets very nervous. We are prepared, we know what we want to do to be in the final in Madrid. We have to learn from recent years," he explained.

Following comments from Jürgen Klopp that downplayed the grandness of Camp Nou, Rakitic was quick to emphasize the advantage that playing there can bring for the home side.

"I think it's to take the pressure off his players. I respect his opinion, but as a rival, playing at the Camp Nou is different. I wish I could play every game at home, with our people," replied Barcelona's number 4.

Finally, Rakitic spoke about the danger that Liverpool pose, and mentioned the importance of the roles that ex-Liverpool stars Luís Suárez and Philippe Coutinho can play for his side.

"They have great rhythm and very good players like Salah or Van Dijk, one of the best central defenders in the world. It will be a very special match, especially for Luis (Suarez) and Coutinho. I hope they enjoy it for our sake," he explained.