Setien optimistic on Barca's chances in Champions League, despite Messi doubts

Barcelona coach Quique Setien has insisted they can win the Champions League, despite Lionel Messi claiming the team are not playing well enough to go all the way in Europe this season.

Setien also rejected suggestions his players could be affected by off-field problems at Barca after Messi reiterated his disagreements with technical secretary Eric Abidal in an interview with Mundo Deportivo this week.

Messi said, "the way we are at the moment, I don't think it's enough to win the Champions League". Barcelona play away at Napoli in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Asked about Messi's interview, Setien said on Friday: "There are things that I agree with and others evidently... I have seen every year how Champions Leagues are won and I think we could have the same chance as other teams.

"It is true that there is no margin for error and there are things we have to try to improve and do better. We are not happy with everything but I think we are growing little by little and we are reaching levels that will allow us to challenge."
- 'Good brain too' -
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"He's a boy that fits the needs we have and we have a lot of confidence he will help us. Not only is he a good footballer but he has a good brain too."
"He comes in decent form but there are some ideas we have to explain to him."