Barca are constantly improving, says Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic believes Barcelona are making strides as a team following extensive changes in recent months.
Rakitic is one of seven new signings to have joined Barca during the transfer window and made a winning start to his career at Camp Nou as they cruised to a 3-0 La Liga win over Elche in Luis Enrique's first competitive game in charge.
The likes of Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas and Carles Puyol all left in the close-season in an overhaul that was sparked by a 2013-14 season that saw the Catalan club go without winning a major trophy.
And Rakitic feels the changes Barca have made are already having a considerable impact.
"It is very important for people to realise that we're making progress," Rakitic said.
"There have been a lot of changes to the team in every area, but you can tell that we're constantly improving."
Rakitic will hope to help guide Barca to a second straight victory when they travel to Villarreal on Sunday, but is anticipating a strong challenge from Marcelino's men.
"It'll be difficult because Marcelino makes his teams work very hard," he added.
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"But we just have to focus on ourselves. We're very positive about the trip."