‘Messi’s words I think have created a big debate’: Quique Setien hits back at talisman’s claims Barcelona cannot win the Champions League playing in the manager’s style as he insists they are ‘convinced’ they can do so
- Lionel Messi criticised his boss’ tactics, insisting they won’t compete in Europe
- The Argentine great based his opinion on his Champions League experience
- Quique Setien took over in January and says the team are ‘convinced’ on his style
Quique Setien has launched a defence of his tactical philosophy after Lionel Messi voiced concerns for Barcelona’s Champions League prospects.
Messi’s words weigh heavy in Catalonia, especially with the Nou Camp icon airing his thoughts on the club’s issues more than ever this season – after a row with director of football Eric Abidal this season.
Speaking to Sport, the Argentinian said: ‘It it is not possible to win it by playing as we have been playing. My opinion is based on the fact that I was lucky to play the Champions League every year.’
Quique Setien has responded to Lionel Messi’s criticism of his tactical style at Barcelona
The Nou Camp legend believes Barca will struggle in the Champions League with Setien
The Catalan club have been backed on the training ground ahead of a LaLiga resumption
Setien took over from Ernesto Valverde in January and Barca sit top of LaLiga, with their European campaign paused after a 1-1 first-leg draw away to Napoli.
Despite scepticism from both players and fans, Setien is backing his style to deliver Barca’s first Champions League since 2015 and end Real Madrid’s dominance over them in the competition.
‘Messi’s words I think have created a big debate,’ Setien told beIN Sports.
Barca haven’t won the Champions League since 2015, before a period of Madrid dominance
‘We are convinced that we can win the Champions League. We have to improve some things, but without a doubt we are convinced that the team has the potential to win the Champions League.
‘We can win it. We are convinced we can win the Champions League, of course we can.’
While Barca are shooting for a third straight domestic title, Madrid had won three-straight Champions League titles after the Catalans’ 2015 triumph, with Liverpool finally ending the Zinedine Zidane dominance in 2019.
Messi and Co suffered three consecutive quarter-final defeats before their Anfield collapse in the semi-final last term, a barren spell after winning three titles in six years between 2006 and 2011.
Barcelona are desperate to end their dry spell in the Champions League with Setien
