‘Barca have to win everything’

Ivan Rakitic has revealed that Barcelona’s new signings have been told in no uncertain terms that silverware has to be won next season.

The Blaugrana failed to win any trophies last term under Tata Martino, but the Croatia international, who arrives alongside Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo and Luis Suarez, has admitted that the hierarchy at Camp Nou have insisted that failure is not an option.

“I read that Barca have spent more money this year than they have in any other summer transfer window and the very first thing they told me when I arrived was ‘we have to win everything!” he told a Press conference.

“So I want to be ready. “I keep saying that I am not here to replace anyone, I come to Barca to be Ivan Rakitic. Replacing Xavi? He is still at the club.

“I cannot wait to meet all my team-mates and to be part of a football style everyone is talking about. I want to learn from them all, but I also want to be able to contribute and help them to improve as well.

“I have spoken to the Coach. Barca play with a 4-3-3 and he told me I can cover all three midfield positions.

“Due to the World Cup there was not a huge amount of time to talk to him, but I have spoken a lot to Andoni Zubizarreta. Midfield is a very important position for them and now I am part of it.”

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