Ivan Rakitic: We hope to be challenging at the end of the season

Ivan Rakitic sees more equality in La Liga this season.

With Leo Messi’s departure and Real Madrid’s lack of big-name signings, the former Barcelona midfielder was asked if there could be a surprise champion this year.

The Sevilla player told ESPN: “Maybe this season will be a great opportunity, not only for Sevilla but also for many other teams”.

“I don’t think you can say that this season there will be a champion with a 10 or 15-point lead. I think it will be very close,” the Croatian midfielder said emphatically.

On Sevilla’s objectives

“I think sometimes you don’t have to think too much, just work hard and then try to enjoy it. We don’t need to put more pressure on ourselves, because it comes on its own. That’s enough. Of course, we’ll try to be up there; hopefully, like last season, we’ll be in the last three, four games fighting with them (the big teams)”.

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