Rivaldo dismisses Barcelona as Champions League contenders as Brazilian says Bartomeu stepping down was ‘right decision’

BARCELONA’S Champions League hopes have been dismissed by Rivaldo. And the club legend says president Josep Bartomeu was “right” to quit. Brazil great Rivaldo claims Ronald Koeman‘s Barca lack the “chemistry” or confidence to return quickly to Europe’s top table. The Spanish giants sit just 14th in laLiga with seven points from five games, although Wednesday’s […]

BARCELONA’S Champions League hopes have been dismissed by Rivaldo.

And the club legend says president Josep Bartomeu was “right” to quit.

EPA

Rivaldo believes Josep Bartomeu’s exit as president is a positive step on the road to much-needed stability for Barcelona[/caption]

EPA

Lionel Messi faces more Champions League pain with Ronald Koeman’s Barca this season, according to Brazil legend Rivaldo[/caption]

Brazil great Rivaldo claims Ronald Koeman‘s Barca lack the “chemistry” or confidence to return quickly to Europe’s top table.

The Spanish giants sit just 14th in laLiga with seven points from five games, although Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Juventus made it two victories from two Champions League group matches.

And ex-Milan midfielder Rivaldo, 48, said: “There’s a long way to go this season but so far I haven’t seen the classic Barcelona of old. 

“I don’t have much confidence in this team and think they aren’t showing enough chemistry to fight for the Champions League title.

“They can battle for La Liga with Real and Atletico Madrid because they still have great players and a big aura in Spain.

“But I’m not so confident about Barca‘s chances among Europe’s elite.”

Nou Camp icon Lionel Messi has failed to net in open play this season after asking to leave in the summer, before accepting he had had to stay until at least the end of the campaign.

But Messi’s third penalty of the term finished off a Juve side missing his quarantined old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

And Betfair ambassador Rivaldo believes Bartomeu’s departure, following his role in the Messi saga, is the best outcome for everyone.

He said: “The uncertainty around the future of Josep Bartomeu… was causing instability at the club.

“In the end, it became inevitable that he had to step down.

“There were so many critics, I believe it was the right decision to finally solve the situation and let the club go forward.

“I’m sure Bartomeu wanted the best for the club but it was a good decision to face the situation once and for all by quitting. 

“The club needs stability and the focus must return to the football.

“The longer this process continued the worst it would have been for the club.”