Barcelona manager Quique Setien said on Friday he thinks his team can challenge for the UEFA Champions League and explained the Catalan giants have a “lot of confidence” in new signing Martin Braithwaite.
Setien told reporters he is optimistic about Barca’s European hopes despite captain Lionel Messi having said his team are “not at the level to fight for the title” in an interview with Mundo Deportivo (h/t ESPN).
“I have seen every year how Champions Leagues are won and I think we could have the same chance as other teams.
“It is true that there is no margin for error and there are things we have to try to improve and do better. We are not happy with everything but I think we are growing little by little and we are reaching levels that will allow us to challenge.”
Barcelona play Serie A side Napoli in the last 16, with the first leg at the Stadio San Paolo on Tuesday.