Ronald Koeman: Barcelona not Champions League favourites and Lionel Messi could be better

Dutch coach's first Champions League assignment is at home to Hungarian side Ferencvaros

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi during the recent La Liga defeat to Getafe. AFP

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has downplayed his team's chances of winning this season's Champions League while also saying Lionel Messi's performances could be better.

Barca have made a stuttering start to the new season, winning only two of four matches having suffered a shock loss at Getafe at the weekend.

Speaking before Tuesday's visit of Hungarians Ferencvaros in their Champions League Group G opener, Koeman played down media talk that the Catalans are among the favourites to be crowned European champions.

“When you’re at Barcelona you always want to be there fighting for trophies, be it in La Liga or Europe. We aren’t the favourites, but we can go far,” he said.

Barca’s recent Champions League failings – they have just one semi-final appearance since last winning the competition in 2015 – were cited by many as talisman Lionel Messi’s main reason for attempting to leave Camp Nou in the transfer window.

The Argentina forward has frequently voiced his desire to lift the trophy again and this season could be a final chance to do it with Barca as his current contract expires next year.

“Right now, you could maybe say his performances could be better,” Koeman said of his 33-year-old captain, who has netted only once this season.

“But when you see him on a day-to-day basis, he’s happy and wants to play and be the team’s captain. I don’t have any complaints or doubts about his effort.”

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The Ferencvaros game comes four days before the first clasico of the season at home to Real Madrid but Koeman said his side are only focusing on the Champions League for now.

“We know it won’t be an easy game. We’ll put out a strong team. Saturday’s game isn’t important right now - the important one is tomorrow’s game. It will be a tough match as there’s no such thing as an easy opponent nowadays," added the Dutchman.

“It’s always important to win the first Champions League group game, especially at home.”