Premier League legend criticises Barcelona – ‘The tempo and intensity is too much for them’ | OneFootball

Following FC Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League, former Manchester United and England superstar Wayne Rooney has criticised Hansi Flick’s team.

The Blaugrana squared off against Newcastle in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 this week at St James’ Park and endured a difficult game.

Only a last-minute penalty from Lamine Yamal salvaged a draw for the La Liga champions, who will now be hoping to get the job done at home in the second leg next week to secure a spot in the quarterfinal.

Rooney critical

It was not the best of performances from Barcelona against Eddie Howe’s side on Tuesday, and Rooney suggested that the Catalan giants have difficulty keeping up with the pace and intensity of clubs from the Premier League.

The Manchester United great pointed out that the Blaugrana had suffered a loss to Chelsea as well earlier this season at Stamford Bridge to support his opinion.

Barcelona escaped with a draw vs Newcastle. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

“The two times I’ve watched Barcelona this season: Chelsea away and Newcastle, I think that the tempo and intensity of the Premier League is too much for them,” said Rooney.

The former England international backed Flick & co. to see off Newcastle United in the second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou, but raised question marks over their first leg performance.

“They will probably go through in Barcelona, but they didn’t really dictate the game at all,” he said.

Barça host the Magpies on 18 March at the Spotify Camp Nou, although before that they face Sevilla in a La Liga clash this Saturday.

Flick reportedly is considering making heavy rotations to the starting XI in order to ensure that his regular starters arrive for the Newcastle game in good shape.

Source: SPORT