Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has admitted he found it difficult on being substituted in the 2-0 Champions League win over Ajax.
Barca boss Luis Enrique replaced the Croatian with Rafinha 10 minutes from time, a decision Rakitic did not agree with but knows he must accept.
“It’s the Coach who decides and it’s his decision,” he told reporters post-match.
“I just need to work hard and show that I am ready and it was difficult for me [coming off], but the important thing is to give the best for the team and that will be the best thing for me.”
Rakitic believed it was a victory that Barcelona deserved and was all the sweeter for them having lost at the Amsterdam Arena in the competition last year, although he was not with the club at the time.
“We lost here last year and we knew it was going to be hard but we were full value for our win.
“We always go out to win the match and after a painful couple of weeks it’s good to taste victory again.
“Now we need to think about winning the next match,” he added.
