Dynamo Kyiv coach Lucescu praises Lionel Messi: “He is doing something incredible…”

Ronald Koeman isn’t the only coach who had to take a presser ahead of the Barcelona – Dynamo Kyiv fixture on Wednesday. Mircea Lucescu, the Dynamo Kyiv boss, answered a few questions ahead of the game.

Lucescu first spoke about Barcelona as a team. The Romanian coach completely understands the transition Barcelona are in, especially after conceding eight in August. He was realistic and admitted that he does not see this Barça as a contender for the Champions League right now. However, the former Turkish national team manager said that many things can change and that his colleague Koeman deserves time. For the Romanian man, a lot of things can change in six months.

“I don’t think Barça has the level now to win the Champions League. Bayern, City or PSG have more options. Anyway, they have a footballer like Messi, who can be very important. A new coach needs a minimum. six months and in spring it will be another team.”

Mircea Lucescu | Pre-match press conference

Lionel Messi was then the centre of attention. Lucescu ran out of superlatives to describe Messi. He stated that the 33-year-old does things that are out of this world, and sometimes does things he isn’t supposed to. The 75-year-old also recognizes that Messi is a freak of nature in all the aspects of the game. “[The six-time Ballon d’Or winner] fights, gives assists and scores.” For Lucescu, Messi is complete and incredible.

“Messi is doing something incredible which is thinking about the team and not about him. He does things all over the field that someone else should do, he fights, gives assists and scores. He strives for the team and wants to help the younger players.”

Mircea Lucescu | Pre-match press conference

Finally, the Romanian coach reckons Barcelona are more of a Champions League team than a La Liga side. He stated that teams in La Liga know them better and that it might be better to play in Europe for Barça. Given the Culés’ start to the season, Lucescu might not be wrong.