Barcelona’s midfielder Ivan Rakitić clearly showed that no one in the team intends to underestimate the upcoming quarterfinals against Manchester United in the Champions League. The Croatian national said the “red devils” deserve only respect for the way they managed to turn Money Saint-Germain.
The French took a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford in the first eighth-finals duel and after that they all hurried to leave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team. In the rematch, however, the English team remembered their great European nights, achieving a 3-0 victory following a dramatic goal from Marcus Rashford’s penalty shootout. United has earned the right to take part in the last season of the Champions League in the 2018/2019 season and has fallen against Barcelona.
“We have seen how good they are. We know that the English teams are very strong at the moment, “said Rakitic, 31, to GQ. “Manchester United has achieved good results, and three goals scored in Paris was unbelievable. You have to respect United for this turn, for the organization in the game and the battle to last with so many young players. ”
“I ask great respect for all Britons and their passion for football, full stadiums.”
“You always have to be aware of your strongest side and your new coach obviously has such knowledge. If you need to fight more and play counter-attack then you should do the best. Many teams would like to play as Barcelona and to control the ball. But if you’ve been holding the ball for a long time, and eventually losing the match, it’s been frustrating, and personally, I would not be happy at all, “Rakitic added.
Manchester United takes Barcelona in the first 1/4-final match on April 10 (Tuesday) at 22:00.