What we could clearly see on Rakitic today that he was in an unsettled mind state on the field...
Yes he was an unquestionable starter for two years, but now the coach wanted competition for his post. First they bought Arda, and later during the half year he had to wait, both the press and the management suggested and hoped the Turk will be new star there. It didn't happen and Turan had very mediocre performances in that midfield post, so later (mostly playing training matches or the easiest games) he became an attacker. All right.
But when Arda fell out from the midfield hat, both Gomes and Denis, another two expectant players came to compete for the same position.
So I'm just asking: is it possible to play well when actually three other, and relatively acceptable players fight for your post?
Psychologically speaking it is impossible, or to be precise it's impossible to do that for the attacking role, which requires ease and creativity. Because in a situation like this ALL good players become stiff, and although their willpower and fighting instinct help in defense, but only defense, but never while trying to attack.
So, to cut it short, this mindless management actually stole all possible and available confidence away from Rakitic by this rotation mania, and frankly if I were in his place, I'd definitely leave, because under this kind of artificial pressure it is just impossible to play creatively and confidently...