Messi interview: ‘No easy opponents in Champion’s League’

LIONEL MESSI is determined to guide Barcelona to the C h a m p i o n s League title again this year despite an uncharacteristically slow start to their defense of the trophy. Barca, who beat Manchester United at Wembley to lift the title last season, began their campaign with a home draw against AC Milan and had to battle to beat minnows Plzen 2-0 at the Nou Camp in their last match — thanks to an inspirational display from Andres Iniesta. Now they face Plzen of the Czech Republic away in the next group match knowing victory is crucial if they want to finish top of their group.
With so many other teams determined to be crowned champions — including deadly rivals Real Madrid, Barca know they have to be at their very best to make it back-toback victories.
And then there is the added interest of big-spending newcomers Manchester City who are just starting to find their feet in Europe’s biggest and most glamorous competition.
But Messi says no matter how much money other teams spend and how well they play, Barca still believe they will win again…

How do you think Barcelona’s games in the Champions League have gone so far? Has it been a slightly shaky start?
We are the champions of Europe and our challenge is the maximum, reaching as far as possible in the tournament and that means being there at the end. That is always required of us but it’s no extra pressure on the players, we are used to it.

What did you think about Plzen — were they better than you expected? How tough will the away match be and how important is it for you to win and try to move above AC Milan? Rivals in the Champions League come to the Nou Camp to defend and that makes the games very complicated. It’s a matter of patience and trying not to despair. In Europe there is never an easy opponent but we will try and beat them again.

Do you think it will be harder to win the Champions League this season than last season?
Winning the Champions League is the dream of every team. I never get tired of winning this title because to me it’s the most important club trophy in the world.

Which teams have impressed you in the Champions League so far?
We are in the first phase of the Champions League and it is still early to talk about that… In the end I think we’ll be fighting for the title and that’s what matters.

Real Madrid are always a force to reckon with in any competition and even more so in the Champions League. They have won every game so far and are serious candidates for the final.

Manchester City have started to improve — do you think they will be serious contenders?
Manchester City is another outfit. They are in the Champions League for the first time, but have a huge team and normally you get better as the tournament progresses. They have a great team and have great potential to take on the world. If they pass through the group stage they will be one of the most dangerous rivals this season.

What impresses you most about City?
For me the best of City is in the centre of the field with the sensational David Silva. They are also devastating in attack. I think Aguero will really explode this season and he is already getting there step by step.

What did you think of Manchester City’s 6-1 victory over Manchester United? Did it surprise you?
Beating Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford is not something that happens to everyone. I was surprised by the result. It was a real blow to United.

Do you think the big clubs in Europe are worried about Manchester City because they have so much money?
A project with a lot of financial investment does not always ensure victories,but it is indisputable that they will improve step by step.