Rafinha: “It’s a boon to train with and learn from Iniesta and Xavi”

Rafinha Alcántara returned to Barcelona yesterday after his call-up by Brazil’s Under-21s for three friendlies in Doha. The player was back training this morning and afterwards, attended the media at the Ciutat Esportiva press room.

The player was asked whether he considers himself an important part of Luis Enrique’s plans this season and replied, “I have the experience of working under him at youth level; I know him but then he knows the rest of the players in the squad so I can’t say that I have any kind of advantage in terms of being picked. I hope to be given minutes with the team, if not, I would have been sold over the summer. I will keep working hard so that I can get playing time. To be honest I was a little surprised to be in the starting line-up for the first two league games of the season; I didn’t expect it because there is so much competition for places”.

Rafinha added that he doesn’t view that competition as rivalry. “For me it’s a real luxury to have such great players as my team mates, it motivates me even more. To be given minutes when some of the best players in the world are in the squad makes me feel very proud. It’s difficult to gain a place in this Barça side; I feel happy just to be here rather than under any pressure and it’s a pleasure to be able to train with and learn from players like Xavi and Iniesta,” he continued.

The player is hoping to keep his place in the side when Barça entertain Athletic Club this weekend. “We’re focused on the game and we will give everything we’ve got as we always do – independently of the circumstances,” he said. “Gaining a positive result is our number one priority. Athletic put their opponents under a lot of pressure and tire them out physically; it’s going to be a difficult match but we have to give the best we’ve got”.

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://as.com/diarioas/2014/09/11/english/1410448460_440990.html

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