Barça must play with belief, not fear, against Bayern

I can accept the idea that, at this moment, we aren't seeing the best version of Barça. We are some distance from that actually. But I also believe it's true that last Saturday they needed to prove themselves against Napoli and they did. Mission accomplished. There were one or two issues, they could have perhaps played better, but they got through it. For the 13th season in a row, they've made the quarter-finals of the Champions League. That's a significant achievement and one most clubs can only dream of.

And whilst the team's football isn't as visually appealing or effective as before, I doubt any opponent considers it an easy task to face Barça. No one sees it as simple, whether that's because of the club's history or the players at their disposal, everyone has respect when Barça are their rivals.

That's why I don't understand why, from inside the club, they don't do everything possible to boost the ego of the squad and their achievements. However, in place of doing that, they send messages like the one Setien gave after the Napoli match: "We aren't good enough to control the play for the whole match." I don't know if that was a way of justifying the performance. It's also possible what is said in front of the microphones isn't the same as what he tells the players in person. I hope that's the case. 

Rummenigge's strategy

Over the last few days, FC Barcelona fans will be climbing the walls over Rummenigge's comments. How can he say that Messi is worse than Lewandowski? But that, for me, is the key here. He knows that isn't true, not even close, but it's a strategy. He's preparing his team for the match, offering his full support to his best player and, in turn, the whole team. As long as they are done in a respectful manner, these types of messages are lacking from Barça and the club should lead by example. No one is better than Messi. Let other teams say whatever they want but don't buy into their stories and don't allow their words to make us feel like we aren't good enough.

Barça should give itself - and its squad - the value it deserves and above all, make others respect them. First, on the pitch, but also off it. Yes, we face a very good team today, who are extremely powerful and fit and have been near untouchable in 2020. But we are FC Barcelona and I'm sure that many of those Bayern players would jump at the chance of joining us if the opportunity presented itself.

It doesn't matter that this season could've been better. There are many instances where the Champions League winners didn't succeed domestically. You can't go into the Champions League thinking you aren't good enough. Firstly, because it isn't true and secondly, because it goes against the philosophy of this club. 

Of course, Barça are capable of dominating teams! They can unlock defences and be greater than their rivals. For that reason, now more than ever, they need those messages. They need messages to motivate them and create a Barça without fear, a Barça who can become champions of Europe.