Without wanting to retire Ivan Rakitic early, the veteran Croatian midfielder admitted that a career in management could be of interest to him. The 36-year-old joined Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia in January, but has already started taking steps to make a move into coaching after his career ends.
Rakitic had noted in an interview with Giants that he felt his Barcelona team could have won “two or three more Champions Leagues” had he not been until his satisfaction. But he also discussed the current state of the Blaugrana by praising former teammates Xavi Hernandez and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
“It is his decision, but there is no person in general who can understand Barca more or better than Xavi. He took the team in a very delicate moment, with many changes, with a context that is not easy at all.”
Ivan Rakitic on Jijantes. #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/WQ3kwGoLCX
— Football Spain (@footballespana_) April 12, 2024
He also explained to Gerard Romero that he had already started his coaching badges.
“I'm not 100% clear, I don't want to look too far ahead. I'm preparing little by little, I've made contacts, I think the future of football will be in Arabia. I can't say what he will do, it will be for sure related to football, but now I don't know what it says.
Xavi: “Is it impossible for me to change my decision? I have already said it many times, nothing has changed. You still have time to ask another question.”
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 12, 2024
“I have also registered with the Croatian federation to get my coaching license. Yes, I want to learn a lot, I want to see many things, I like to know what is happening in UEFA, in the competitions … but I have not decided” .
Rakitic certainly has as much and varied experience as most in the game, having played in four different countries, won three European trophies, four league titles and made the World Cup final with Croatia. In addition, he has had a number of coaches at the top of the game currently.
