Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic insists his fine start to the season will not affect his focus.
The Croatian has been a key man since arriving at the Nou Camp in 2014, playing a leading role as Barca won the treble in his maiden campaign, before helping them to the domestic double last term.
However, with two goals and a string of fine performances so far this season, he looks to have stepped up a level in recent months.
The former Basel man insists he will not let the hype get to him, as all that matters is what is in the trophy cabinet at the end of the season.
“I am very grateful to [coach] Luis Enrique for putting so much faith in me,” he said on Monday. “And at least as far as stats are concerned, this is possibly my best season yet. But what really matters is where things stand in May.”
Despite a surprise defeat to Alaves, the Blaugrana have made a strong start to their campaign and continue their Champions League exploits on Wednesday when they meet Borussia Monchengladbach in Group C.
Having beaten Celtic 7-0 in the first round of fixtures, it is likely to be a much tougher test in Germany. Barca are 1.44 to win the game, with the draw 4.75 and Die Fohlen priced at 7.00.
Rakitic previously played in the Bundesliga for Schalke before moving to Spain in 2011 with Sevilla.
The 28-year-old admits he is expecting a difficult test against Gladbach, who will not make life easy for his side.
He added: “We know it’ll be difficult, because we’ll be facing a very tough opponent.”
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