Rakitic talks Yamal, Ansu, Messi, Flick, Olmo, Barcelona of 2014/15 – ‘The best team in history’ | OneFootball

In a recent interview with MARCA, former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic offered his thoughts on multiple topics, including the current rendition of the Barcelona team under new coach Hansi Flick.

Rakitic also talked about Lamine Yamal and comparisons to Lionel Messi while he also touched upon the famous 2014/15 campaign.

Rakitic on current Barcelona team, Flick

Rakitic went on to offer his thoughts on the current Barcelona team. He specifically regretted what happened with Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, in regard to their registration woes.

“I hope what happened with Dani Olmo and Pau Victor never happens again. Not for Barcelona or any other team because, as a professional colleague, it’s sad,” he said.

“It’s good that this happened with two academy players who had a dream of playing for Barcelona. If it wasn’t for that, it would have been more difficult,” the Croat added.

As for Flick’s Barcelona, Rakitic urged Flick to trust more on some of the more experienced players in the team.

“Barcelona could benefit from a little experience and not just on the pitch. We saw Barcelona amazing at the start of the season, but the season is a very long race, like a marathon and the most consistent will come out on top at the end,” he said.

“In any case, Barcelona have incredible quality and I’m confident that the way they work can win the title. It’s a pleasure to see so many young boys important on the pitch,” the midfielder added.

Rakitic’s comments come in the midst of uncertainty brewing over the future of the experienced Frenkie de Jong, who has fallen out of favour under Flick and may leave the club soon.

Rakitic wants Barcelona to trust more on older players (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Rakitic on Yamal and Messi

Finally, Rakitic offered his take on the hot topic in world football right now: Can Lamine Yamal replace Lionel Messi at Barcelona?

Rakitic started by mentioning Ansu Fati, sharing condolences over his bad luck with injuries.

“Firstly, I am a big fan of Ansu Fati and I am very sorry that he has had so many injuries. I remember when he trained with us for the first time when he was 16 and I told him: ‘This boy should always come’. When I was at Sevilla and he went to Brighton we tried to sign him. I hope he recovers,” he began.

“To your question, I did not know Lamine directly, but he represents pleasure, not only for those of us who are from Barça, but for all who love football.

“Barça have had a world star for many years. It is crazy. It is good to hear these things from people who see him every day, how he behaves, how he trains,” he concluded.

Rakitic on the 2014/15 season

Rakitic played for Barcelona for many seasons, but it was the 2014/15 campaign that was by far the best.

The midfielder was part of a team that secured the treble under the leadership of Luis Enrique. It was the same season where the famous attacking trifecta of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez came to life.

Reminiscing on the 2014/15 campaign, Rakitic said, “At every stage, there are important teams and I think we won the Champions League because we were so superior, then I think we lacked someone to ‘press us’ to get more.

“I think, in that sense, it was important that Xavi stayed that year but he left and maybe that strong leadership character was missing in the dressing room. These details are important, because, in my opinion, that was the best team in history.”

Barcelona, though, endured a rapid downfall after the successful 2014/15 campaign, as the club struggled to maintain consistency.

“Football moves very quickly and if you are not 100% in the decisive moments… with the utmost respect, you will fail. Maybe we lacked the ‘edge’ of going all the way to the end,” Rakitic said when asked about Barcelona’s subsequent downfall.

“That’s where Madrid became dominant and it’s no coincidence. At the level, I think we were the best team for many years, but we didn’t take advantage of that as we should have and a lot of people think the same in the world of football.

“I’m not saying that others deserved it more or less. It has nothing to do with it. I’m just talking about Barcelona. I think we could have achieved more and it’s a pity we didn’t,” he added.