By AFPMore by this AuthorBARCELONAIvan Rakitic has said Lionel Messi's desire to win the Champions League is proving an inspiration for Barcelona ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool on Wednesday. "Whenever our captain says something the rest of us follow," said Rakitic at a press conference on Tuesday. Asked if Messi has to win the Champions League this year, coach Ernesto Valverde said: "Nobody has to do anything. Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has caused a stir by dismissing the idea his players could be intimidated at Camp Nou, which he described as "just a stadium". All I can say is playing at Camp Nou is a different thing, something special and you have to respect that."

Source: Daily Nation April 30, 2019 17:03 UTC