Barcelona: Ivan Rakitić rallies troops ahead of El Clásico
Ivan Rakitić is looking to slip into Lionel Messi’s leadership ahead of the Clásico
Barcelona are facing a huge crisis with Lionel Messi suffering a fractured arm that is expected to keep him out of action for three weeks. The team has a brutal string of fixtures coming up, including the home and away legs of the tie against Inter in the Champions League.
But the real challenge will be taking on Real Madrid in the Clásico without the captain. The Galácticos are also without their former star Cristiano Ronaldo and are on a poor run of form. But it would be a huge mistake to underestimate Real Madrid, even at their weakest.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
Now, with Messi injured, the side’s leader in midfield, Ivan Rakitić, is looking to step in his shoes and inspire the squad to overcome the upcoming challenges, which will be anything but easy. The 30-year old playmaker also took on a leadership role in Russia, where Croatia reached the finals.
"Rakitić said, “La Liga’s a bit crazy and the Champions League demands the maximum. We have to work hard and stick together.”"
It is good that a senior member of the squad is trying to lead from the front, because the team is going to require a lot of inspiration if the club is to pass through this run of fixtures unscathed, especially considering that Ernesto Valverde will be unable to rest many players against Betis.
Next. Barcelona scout River Plate starlet Exequiel Palacios. dark
With Leo Messi not returning before the match against Atlético, the likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Philippe Coutinho will need to step up. The midfield also needs to take on some of Messi’s creative burden so that the attackers can focus on scoring goals.