Lionel Messi is not optimistic about Barcelona’s Champions League prospects which is of stark contract to the club’s manager Quique Setien
Lionel Messi doesn’t believe Barcelona can challenge for the Champions League based on their current form.
The Catalans have endured a mixed season which led to the dismissal of Ernesto Valverde.
Quique Setien replaced him at the Nou Camp and claimed Barcelona have what it takes to win Europe’s top prize.
But Messi is not in agreement and suggested that his manager “misunderstood” the current levels being achieved by the Spanish giants.
Barcelona’s last 16 tie with Napoli hung in the balance after a first-leg draw in Italy but the second-leg wasn’t played before the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Lionel Messi is not convinced Barcelona can win the Champions League (Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)
“I never doubted the squad we have and I have no doubt that we can win all that remains, but not by playing in the way we were playing,” Messi told Sport .
“Now, everyone has their opinion and they are all very respectable. Mine is based on the fact that I was lucky to play the Champions League every year and I know that it is not possible to win it by playing as we have been playing. Perhaps Setien misunderstood.”
Messi has won four Champions League titles – the most recent of which came in 2015.
But the Catalans have not reached a final since with performances questioned despite the regular capture of silverware. Continue reading…
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/lionel-messi-claims-quique-setien-22030625