Thomas Muller of Bayern Munich speak Barcelona unable to cope with the intensity of Europe’s top teams after the five-time Champions League winners were knocked out of the group stage after one Defeat 3-0 at Allianz Arena.
Muller opened the scoring, with Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala is also the goal, to beat Barca to have a place in the Europa League in the new year.
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This is the first time since the 2003-04 season that the Catalan club will not be in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Muller told UEFA.com.
“I don’t think they can cope with that intensity. Technically, they have it all and they have some really good players, no doubt about that, but we can deliver. This level of intensity both in hold and not in possession. I don’t think they can cope with the intensity in top football.”
Barca beat Bayern in the semi-finals as they won their fourth Champions League trophy in nine years in 2015 but the slump continued, underpinned by a financial crisis, has set up since then.
Meanwhile, Bayern have become Barca’s side, beating them 8-2 in the quarter-finals in 2020 and 3-0 in both meetings in the group stage this season.
“I think the difference is definitely very obvious, especially in the second half,” Muller said. “We should have scored more goals, but we are happy. Barcelona are still a big name in the world of football, so beating them 3-0 twice – at Barcelona and once more at home – still what pleases them.”
Barca coach Xavi, who has only been in charge of his fifth game since replacing Ronald Koeman, said the defeat expose “the harsh reality” turned towards himself.
He said he was “angry” and “resentful” at being relegated to the Europa League, but called the defeat the start of a new chapter at Camp Nou as Barca strives to rebuild.
They travel to Osasuna on Sunday in LaLiga, where they will look to get the season back on track. Last weekend lost Real Betis leaving them seventh in the table, six points behind a Champions League spot.
