Barcelona coach Quique Setien says Robert Lewandowski is not at Lionel Messi's level after claims that the Bayern Munich striker is superior to the Argentine attacker.
Bayern icons Lothar Matthaus and Giovane Elber both spiced up the build-up to Friday's Champions League quarter-final tie by declaring that the Polish frontman is ahead of the Barca captain on current form.
"Lewandowski is a great footballer, but he's not on Leo's level – that's clear," Setien said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
"He [Lewandowski] has scored 13 goals in the Champions League and he is well assisted by his team-mates. He's in a great moment, but Leo is too, as we saw against Napoli."
The Argentine scored a wondergoal against the Italians last week, won a penalty and saw a strike ruled out by VAR for a questionable handball.
"Messi can help us win the match, but I have always believed in the strength of the team," Setien said.
"It's true that we have to assist Messi, but without the strength of the team, Leo would be less, just like any other player we could highlight."
Setien also praised Bayern's qualities, but believes Friday's tie (a one-off match due to the new post-pandemic format) will be evenly matched.
"We are concerned by many things," he said. "They are a complete team, capable of attacking, defending, bringing a lot of people into the attack, pressing well...
"If we can get past their pressing, and that is something we are good at, then you can hurt them. We will have to defend and attack [well]. But it's even."
