Why Did Rakitic Leave Barcelona?
There was a time when Ivan Rakitic was one of the most revered midfielders in European football. His tireless work ethic, exceptional passing ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals made him a fan favorite at Barcelona.
However, in the summer of 2020, Rakitic made a surprising move by leaving the Catalan giants to rejoin his former club Sevilla. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this decision.
Rakitic’s Declining Role at Barcelona
One of the primary factors that prompted Rakitic’s departure from Barcelona was his diminishing role within the team. In recent years, new signings like Frenkie de Jong and Arthur Melo had emerged as preferred options in midfield, reducing Rakitic’s playing time. Despite his undeniable talent and experience, he found himself spending more time on the bench than on the field.
This shift in playing time had a significant impact on Rakitic’s morale and ambition. As an accomplished player who had won numerous titles with Barcelona, he wanted to feel valued and contribute actively to the team’s success.
New Managerial Preferences
The arrival of new manager Ronald Koeman also played a crucial role in Rakitic’s decision to leave. Koeman took charge with a clear vision of restructuring the squad and implementing tactical changes. Unfortunately for Rakitic, it seemed that he did not fit into Koeman’s plans for Barcelona.
Koeman preferred a more dynamic style of play that emphasized youth and speed in midfield. This put Rakitic at a disadvantage due to his age and playing style, which prioritized control and distribution over raw athleticism.
Desire for Regular Playing Time
Rakitic is known for his professionalism and desire to play football consistently at a high level. With limited opportunities at Barcelona, he felt the need to seek regular playing time elsewhere. Returning to Sevilla, where he had enjoyed tremendous success before joining Barcelona, seemed like the ideal solution.
At Sevilla, Rakitic would be a crucial part of the team once again and have the opportunity to lead them in their pursuit of domestic and European glory. Additionally, the chance to work under Julen Lopetegui, a coach who valued his abilities and understood his playing style, was a significant draw for Rakitic.
Personal and Family Reasons
Lastly, personal and family reasons played a part in Rakitic’s decision to leave Barcelona. After six years with the Catalan club, he had established himself as a beloved figure among the fans. However, living away from his native Croatia for an extended period took its toll on him and his family.
Rakitic desired to spend more time with his loved ones and be closer to home. Returning to Sevilla enabled him to achieve this while continuing to play football at a high level.
In Conclusion
The departure of Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona was influenced by multiple factors. His declining role within the team, new managerial preferences under Ronald Koeman, his desire for regular playing time, and personal/family reasons all contributed to this decision. While it was undoubtedly a difficult choice for Rakitic after enjoying immense success at Barcelona, he ultimately prioritized his happiness and career progression by rejoining Sevilla.