I'd never go to Barca, but it's the right place for Rakitic - Michel

The ex-Sevilla coach would not turn his back on his Real Madrid history but believes his former midfielder Ivan Rakitic should stay at the Blaugrana

Former Real Madrid player and ex-Sevilla coach Michel says he would never apply to be the coach of Barcelona, but admits the club is the right one for his former midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

Michel won six La Liga titles and two UEFA Cups during a long spell as a Madrid player before going on to coach the club's B team in the early years of his coaching career, which took him to Sevilla, Olympiacos and Marseille.

But as far and wide as his time in management has been, he has ruled out ever taking a spot in the home dugout at Camp Nou.

"I would never send Barcelona my CV unless it were All Saints day [December 28th]," he joked "That wouldn't be good for either party."

Michel spent a year in charge of Sevilla, where Rakitic enjoyed a prosperous period. The midfielder's current contract at Barca expires in 2019 and there were suggestions he could move after being left out of the team by Luis Enrique.

The club are sure he will remain, while the player recently clarified he wants to stay.

Michel may have issues with the Blaugrana, but he is willing to concede that Rakitic will continue to thrive there and should not look elsewhere.

"I think Rakitic will stay at Barcelona and won't make the mistake of leaving," he added. 

"Rakitic is a fantastic 12th man because if you are ever missing anyone, he can play as a No. 10, as a defensive midfielder, or at right or left midfield.

"He is great in second balls from midfield and is good at heading the ball too.

"I spoke to Luis Enrique when I was still coaching Oympiakos at the time Rakitic made the move to tell them [Barcelona] that they had made a great signing."