Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has picked four teams that would give the Spanish club for the UEFA Champions League this season.
Gerard Pique picks difficult teams for Barcelona
He believes that Hansi Flicks' team are strong contenders for the title, but would face tough competition from Arsenal, PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
In an interview with Moeve Futbol Zone, Pique dismissed criticism regarding Barcelona's high-line defensive style under Hansi Flick's coaching and supported La Blaugrana to win all titles this season.
When asked about Barca's chances of winning the Champions League, the former defender insisted that Flick's side can lift thee trophy. However, he picked Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid as the 'very strong teams' who would make it tough for them to do so.
"In Europe too? Yes, why not? It’s clear that there are some very strong teams in Europe right now, and it looks like sooner rather than later, they’ll end up winning the Champions League, " Pique said.
“Arsenal, for example, or PSG, who won it last year. Add to that Real Madrid and Bayern, who I think have raised their game with Kompany, so obviously it will be difficult," he added.
Hansi Flick's great debut season with Barcelona
Barcelona had an exceptional 2024-25 season under Hansi Flick. In his debut season, the German tactician led the club to a domestic treble of the League, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana. However, they lost to Inter Milan in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona's poor performance in the UEFA Champions League this season
Hansi Flick's team have been inconsistent in the Champions League this season. They won just two games from five matches in the competition, losing two and drawing the other.
Barca faced a humiliating 3-0 loss against Chelsea in their last Champions League outing and were defeated 2-1 by PSG in October. They were held to a 3-3 draw by Belgian side Club Brugge before the Chelsea defeat, and have registered wins over only Newcastle (2-1) and Olympiacos (6-1).
These results have placed the La Liga champions in the 18th place on the league phase standings. Flick's team will have to win their last three games to increase the chances of claiming automatic qualification and avoiding the playoffs. They will next face Eintracht Frankfurt at home on Tuesday, December 9.