Iniesta says Barcelona capable of big things this season

Former FC Barcelona midfield star Andres Iniesta, now at Japanese club Vissel Kobe, said he believes his former club is capable of big things this football season.

The 34-year-old Spaniard said Barcelona's summer signings had bolstered the squad and put them in contention for both the Spanish and European competitions, reports Efe.

"Barcelona look strong, they have a great squad. They have made both young and more experienced signings," Iniesta said in a video interview with Barcelona TV, coinciding with the under-14 Barcelona B team's visit to Japan.

"Let's hope they get to the end of the season in contention for everything," he added.

He also touched on the club's elimination by AS Roma in the quarter-finals of the last edition of the Champions League.

"I think the thorn of last season at Roma left a big mark, because of everything, it being so unexpected and the situation of how the season was going. But I am sure they will be fighting for it again this year, let's hope so," the former captain added.

Iniesta explained that Argentina superstar Lionel Messi "always operates like a captain," even before he officially succeeded Iniesta as the first of four Barcelona captains earlier this year.

"He is captain of Argentina, so he does not need much advice from me, all I did was enjoy playing with him," he said.

"For me, being captain was a unique experience and for him to be first captain after so long at the club I guess is an added incentive," he concluded.

--IANS

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