Ivan Rakitic: 'Luis Enrique always has a very clear plan'
Ivan Rakitic has praised Luis Enrique’s strategic vision and leadership, reflecting on his time working under the former Barcelona coach.
Rakitic described Enrique as a manager who plans meticulously, saying, “He’s a coach who before taking the first step has already prepared the second step. For him, it’s obvious that there are no coincidences and it’s not often you see a coach that works so hard and has such clear ideas.” The Croatian midfielder also highlighted Enrique’s confidence in PSG’s potential Champions League win despite the departure of their star player Kylian Mbappe.
“It’s to do with how strong Luis Enrique is. For me, it’s not a surprise for PSG to have reached the final. And it wasn’t a surprise when Luis Enrique said their best player – Mbappe – was leaving, but they’re going to be a better team. He had a very clear plan from the beginning, just like he had a very clear plan with us,” Rakitic explained.
The 37-year-old also touched on his recent career moves, including a spell in the Saudi Pro League and his current campaign with Hajduk Split in Croatia. He is focused on helping the club end a 20-year league title drought.
“I’m just focussed on the last match this Sunday and the slight possibility we have of winning the league, and that’s most important for me right now,” he said when asked about his future. “The fact is I haven’t made any decision yet. I’m still enjoying it, that’s the truth. I’ll sit down at home with my wife and kids to discuss it and when I make a decision, it will come from me and not the conclusions made by others.”
Rakitic’s legacy at Barcelona remains strong, with the midfielder regarded as an underrated but vital figure in the club’s success. His admiration for both past legends and emerging talents underlines his deep connection to the game.
