Quique Setien insisted that Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi remains a step forward from prolific Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.
Messi and Lewandowski will face off on Friday when Barcelona face Bayern in the Champions League quarter-finals in Portugal.
Former Bayern and German defender Lothar Matthaus said this week that Lewandowski has already beaten Messi in the world rankings, having scored 53 goals in 44 games this season.
But Barca coach Setien rejected the idea and insisted that Argentine star Messi remains more fatal than ever, ahead of the two European heavyweights, who have won the festival times, beating her in Lisbon.
“Lewandowski is a wonderful player, but I don’t think he’s at Leo’s level, I think it’s clear,” Setien said.
“It is true that he is in a moment, they are thirteen goals in the Champions League and he is well helped by many teammates around him.
But Leo is also at a time as we saw it opposite Napoli.
“It’s just that those players are in the box and we can take advantage of it.
“Leo Messi can help us win this match, of course, but I’m still in the strength of the team. You have to help Messi and give her the ball.
“It’s true that he can score goals but the team’s strength, Leo would be less, like any other player you can propose.”
Bayern have established the tournament’s favourite through some after beating Chelsea 4-1 in the last 16 games in Munich and 7-1 overall.
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) 13 August 2020
Hansi Flick’s team has already boosted the German league and cup doubles, and has shown no adverse effects to deal with the Blues despite a five-week gap.
“We know the strength of our opponent and I’ll minimize it,” Said Setien, a suspect.
“Their numbers aren’t just numbers, it’s the skill of what they do.
“They’re an amazing team and so are we. That’s the reality.
“A lot of things we care about them, it’s a whole side.
“They put a good pressure on you, we know, but let’s see if we can beat their press. If we succeed, we can harm them.”
Barcelona will be boosted by the return of long-term injury absentee Ousmane Dembele, who has not played since November after a string of injury concerns.
“In Dembélé’s case, it’s satisfying that he’s included and can play for a few minutes,” Setien said.
– FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) thirteen August 2020
“He couldn’t play any role for almost a year. We hope you can drive a few minutes and succeed.”
Bayern headquarters Niklas Sule is back in action after nearly 10 months out due to knee surgery, and is asking German giants to reject their Catalan enemies.
“I think we have team spirit,” Sule told the Bayern club’s official website.
“It’s something I’ve never experienced before, the way we interact with others.
– UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 2020
“It’s special here, really, the team spirit we’ve had this year has been exceptionally good.
“It’s incredibly difficult to win this title in the Champions League, but I think we have the chance, with our team, for something special this year.”
UCL quarter-final Barcelona against Bayern Munich
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