‘Barca still top of class’
ATLETICO MADRID boss Diego Simeone says Barcelona are still the best team in the world despite a recent wobble.
The spotlight is on Barca and their coach Luis Enrique in the wake of their 4-0 Champions League drubbing by Paris Saint-germain.
Last week at Leganes, Barca needed a stoppage-time Lionel Messi penalty for a 2-1 win, and remain within one point of leaders Real Madrid.
Barca’s apparent struggles could spell good news for Atletico, who began the weekend seven points behind Real, but Simeone (above) is taking it all with a pinch of salt.
Asked if Barca’s level has dipped, Simeone told a press conference: “No. It’s difficult to compete as they have in this era. They have won eight titles with Luis Enrique.
“One bad game can happen to any team, as possibly happened to them in Paris.
“It’s a difficult game – important, like always when we play them. They are still the best team in the world.”
Cesc Fabregas. Crowned an outstanding performance with the opening goal. REFEREE: Neil Swarbrick. Bottled a crucial penalty decision with game in the balance.
Chelsea boss Conte admitted this week that he didn’t sleep for six days when the Juventus team he captained capitulated in the Serie A title race 17 years ago.
With 18 minutes remaining at Stamford Bridge yesterday, the Italian was having a nasty dose of deja vu.
Swansea had not only cancelled out Cesc Fabregas’s early opener through Fernando Llorente’s header, they were actually threatening to return to Wales with the three points. Then Pedro