Dominik Livakovic targets Copa del Rey opportunity after limited Barcelona role

Dominik Livakovic says he is patiently waiting for another chance to establish himself at Barcelona after finding first-team opportunities limited since joining the club at the end of the summer transfer window.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper has played only once for Barcelona, starting the 3-1 victory over Sevilla on 19 September when Joan Garcia was unavailable through injury. He moved from Turkish club Fenerbahce for €2m and signed a four-season contract running until the summer of 2030.

Livakovic remains behind strong competition for the position, with Joan Garcia, Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and Iker Rodriguez also part of Hansi Flick’s goalkeeping options.

He has continued to receive regular playing time with Croatia, starting their 2-1 defeat by England at Wembley on Thursday. He is also expected to feature against Czech Republic tonight in the UEFA Nations League, giving him the minutes he has been unable to secure at club level.

Speaking while with the Croatia squad, Livakovic said he remained proud of his move to one of the world’s biggest clubs.

“I am a boy from Zadar playing for Barcelona, and I am very proud of that,” he said. “I have already had the opportunity to defend the goal of such a big club. I am training now, waiting for my chance, and I feel good.”

The goalkeeper has acknowledged the difficulty of competing for selection at Barcelona, where he trains alongside some of the leading players in world football.

“Training at Barcelona is extremely difficult because we are talking about the best players in the world,” Livakovic told Mundo Deportivo. “It would be ideal to be the goalkeeper in every match, but I am waiting patiently for my opportunity.”

Copa del Rey could offer route back into Barcelona team

Livakovic is expected to have a possible route back into the Barcelona side during the Copa del Rey. The club is due to play its round-of-32 tie on 15 or 16 December, with the match taking place over one leg against a lower-ranked opponent whose identity has not yet been confirmed.

The competition may give Flick the opportunity to rotate his starting XI and select players who have had fewer appearances in La Liga. That could provide Livakovic with an important chance to demonstrate his ability and strengthen his case for further involvement.

Croatia manager Slaven Bilic has also made clear that he would like to see the goalkeeper play more regularly for Barcelona.

“It would be great to see Livakovic playing regularly for Barcelona,” Bilic said. “He is a very good goalkeeper.”

For now, Livakovic’s prospects depend on maintaining his form, continuing to work in training and taking advantage of the next opportunity that comes his way.