Champions League: Wenger reveals why Messi, Barcelona are struggling

Champions League: Wenger reveals why Messi, Barcelona are struggling

Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has criticized Barcelona for their over-reliance on Lionel Messi.

Reacting to a 0-0 draw between the Spanish champions and Slavia Prague on Tuesday, Wenger said they played "like a team in crisis".

Barca struggled to beat the Czech side, who gave a good account of themselves at the Camp Nou.

"They're top of the league, they're top of their group, and they play like a team in crisis.

"Their game is too slow. There is no dynamic in the last 30 metres, it's too individual.

"Every time they lose the ball, it looks like they will concede a goal on the counter attack because they cannot deal with pace against the opponent... the team lacks dynamic, lacks energy, lacks confidence.

"Today it looks like they play and they wait for Messi to do something, but the basic strengths of the team play is a bit gone.

"And you think, when will Messi get the ball to do something? And before, the music, the basic music, was the fantastic team play, making it difficult to catch the ball, and then on top of that came Messi," Wenger said on beIN Sport.

Comments

Keep up to date with our latest articles and uploads...