Manchester United legend criticises Barcelona ahead of Atletico showdown – ‘No longer the kings of Europe’

Manchester United legend criticises Barcelona ahead of Atletico showdown – ‘No longer the kings of Europe’

As FC Barcelona gear up to take on Atletico Madrid tomorrow in the UEFA Champions League, former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has delivered a fierce rant about the Catalans chances of a comeback.

Barcelona are currently trailing Atletico by two goals after losing the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie 0-2 at the Spotify Camp Nou last week.

So, they have a mountain to climb tomorrow at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, and Evra hit out at the Blaugrana as well as their fans.

“Listen, Barcelona fans need to wake up and face reality. I see all those “Remontada” profile pictures everywhere; it’s time to be humble and take them down,” Evra exclaimed, as quoted by SPORT.

Barcelona face Atletico Madrid tomorrow in the Champions League. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“This isn’t the Barcelona of 2015; that team no longer exists. We’ve seen them crumble time and time again on the big stage, and, quite frankly, they’re not capable of doing it again.”

Evra believes the team’s defensive fragility could be decisive in the UEFA Champions League.

“In the Champions League, they’re more likely to pick up another red card than to win; it’s become something of a habit lately,” Evra noted.

“I have every confidence in Diego Simeone and his players. They’re fighters, they’re well prepared and ready to put a stop to this,” he added, backing Atletico Madrid.

The Frenchman acknowledged that Barcelona once dominated European football, but insists that era is over.

“Barça fans, stay calm and keep quiet, because Europe is a different story… and you’re no longer the kings. I love this sport, but I love the truth even more,” he concluded.