Robert Sanchez dismissed suggestions that Barcelona are favorites to win the UEFA Champions League, saying that Chelsea stand a better chance of winning the competition. Sanchez made the claim after the Blues thrashed Hansi Flick's side 3-0 on Tuesday, November 25.
An own goal in the first half by Jules Kounde and second-half strikes from Estevao Willian and Liam Delap gave Chelsea a famous win at Stamford Bridge. Ronald Araujo's dismissal just before halftime compounded the visitors' misery.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Sanchez was asked if he sees Barcelona as favorites for the Champions League.
“I see us as favourites for UCL, not Barcelona,” the Blues goalkeeper told El Chiringuito.
Sanchez wasn’t done as he also fired shots at Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, saying Marc Cucurella had him in his pocket.
“Everyone looks really good until they come to the Premier League,” he added.
It’s worth noting that Tuesday’s Champions League match between Barcelona and Chelsea was Yamal’s first against an English club. The 18-year-old had generated a lot of buzz ahead of the game, which was billed as a battle between him and Blues star Estevao Willian.
The win saw Chelsea edge ahead of Barca in their all-time meetings in the Champions League. The Blues have now won five of the 15 encounters, compared to Barca’s four. In addition, the result saw the the west London side provisionally move into the top eight while the Catalans sit 15th in the standings.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick promises a ‘better Barca in the future’ after 3-0 defeat to Chelsea
Hansi Flick promised the Blaugrana faithful that they will see improvements in the team following their heavy loss to Chelsea. The LaLiga champions were the second-best side on the night, as the Blues dominated possession for large spells.
“We will see a better Barça in the future,” Flick told reporters. “That is what I can promise now. I see how we train. The team is different than six weeks ago. Players are coming back and increasing the quality of training. I have this feeling and I think positive.”
The German tactician also spoke about their English counterparts and how his players can learn from them.
“When you see Chelsea, they play more dynamic in the one-v-one situations. This is what I want from my team,” he added. “Sometimes we try to control the game, but here against a club playing in the Premier League, second in the table, it’s not like that. We have to fight a little bit more and play more aggressive. We started the game well. We had the chance to score the first goal and then everything changed after the red card.”
Barcelona will shift their focus to LaLiga as they face Deportivo Alaves on Saturday, November 29. Maresca's side, on the other hand, are set for another tough test as they host league leaders Arsenal on Sunday, November 30.