• Champions League

Messi more worried by Chelsea than United

ESPNsoccernet staff
March 18, 2011
Lionel Messi is more concerned by Chelsea than Manchester United © PA Photos
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Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has ruled out Manchester United as contenders to win this season's Champions League.

Ahead of Friday's quarter-final draw in Nyon, Switzerland, Messi said he expected his Barcelona team, Spanish rivals Real Madrid or Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea to lift the trophy in May. But Sir Alex Ferguson's Premier League leaders and 2007-8 European champions didn't get a mention.

"Ourselves, Madrid and Chelsea are the favourites for this year," the Barcelona forward is quoted as saying in The Sun. "Here, everyone knows their role and we complement each other. All of us make each other better. It's the greatness of this team."

Meanwhile, United boss Ferguson claims he has 'no fear' about being drawn against the bookies' favourites Barcelona in the draw.

Most of Europe's top clubs are eager to avoid Pep Guardiola's much lauded side, but Ferguson said: "I don't think it's good tactics to go into how good they are or show trepidation or apprehension about it. I don't think that's our way. You have to face whoever comes along and we have got experience of playing Barcelona recently.

"We knocked them out in the semi-final and then lost the final to them in Rome. So we've got the experience of being there and it's all the same players they've got."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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