Messi: It's more complicated to play against Real Madrid at Camp Nou

Leo Messi is certain on one thing: Barcelona find it harder to play against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou than the Santiago Bernabeu. He explained as much in an interview with Marca. 

"When we play at the Bernabeu, a lot more space is generated," he told Marca. "They're obliged to come at us more because they're the home team and the fans are pushing for that.

"At Camp Nou, they play a different game, looking more on the counter-attack with quick players in attack. In the Bernabeu, it's face-to-face for 90 minutes. (At Camp Nou) the game is tighter, it's more complicated." 

Asked about Zinedine Zidane's return to Madrid and the criticism he's suffered at times, Messi added: "It's surprising but it's been like this for years, especially at big clubs. We know it's normal. People forget quickly what's happened in the past. 

"I am sure Zidane knew when he came back that the three Champions League he'd won wouldn't matter and that a lot would be demanded of him from the first day. Players and coaches at the big teams know we're continuously in focus and we live with that." 

In the interview, Messi was also asked if Eden Hazard could replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Madrid: "Hazard has a lot of quality. He's a different player who can unbalance teams, but I think he's different to Cristiano. He has other qualities. It's really difficult to cover the loss of Ronaldo, but Hazard's a great player."