Croatian National Team footballer and Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitić said he would one day like to play on a team led by coach Pep Guardiola. Afterall, Guardiola is the reason Rakitić chose to wear the number 4 jersey at the Catalan club, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.
“I hope to someday work with him. I’d be proud of it. If not, I hope that we will at least drink coffee together. I primarily chose the jersey with the number 4. When I saw that it was free I immediately chose it, it was an easy decision,” Rakitić said in a news conference on Tuesday in Manchester where Barcelona will face Manchester City again in Champion’s League.
Pep Guardiola wore the number 4 throughout his years playing for FC Barcelona from ‘91-’01.
“Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world for what he has done. I’m impressed,” noted the 28-year-old midfielder.
“The match against Manchester City will be beautiful and we will seek to impose the rhythm and beat. It would be great to ensure passage into the next round so we can play calmly in the next two matches,” said Rakitić.
One big setback: Barcelona is still missing injured midfielder Andres Iniesta.
“It’s a big loss for us because there is no such player like him. We should not create pressure pondering what to do without him. I believe that those who replace him will do well,” Rakitić concluded.
The Champions League battle between Barcelona and Manchester City takes place tonight in Manchester City. The game can be viewed in Croatia tonight at 20.45 (CET)
