Ivan Rakitic believes losing the Spanish Super Cup to Real Madrid helped unite his Barcelona teammates and propel them to a run of victories.
The Blaugrana have won their first three matches in La Liga alongside defeating Juventus in Tuesday’s Champions League opener.
“Losing the Super Cup has helped in bringing us together and making a strong start to the league and the Champions League,” Rakitic told an interview with Marca.
“It was important to start so strongly against the team that eliminated us (from the Champions League) last year and I think it is difficult to play against us when we play to the level we did on Tuesday.
“Every Coach has different ideas and generally, I see that he (Ernesto Valverde) has confidence in me – I feel comfortable and I look forward to fighting to keep my place.”
