Premier League legend criticises Barcelona - 'The tempo and intensity is too much for them' | Barca Universal

"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. They will probably go through in Barcelona, but they didn't really dictate the game at all."

Barcelona drew 1-1 with Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg at St James' Park, with Lamine Yamal scoring a last-minute penalty. Wayne Rooney criticized the team's performance, arguing that the tempo and intensity of Premier League clubs exceeds Barcelona's capabilities. He referenced their earlier loss to Chelsea as evidence. Despite questioning their first-leg display, Rooney predicted Barcelona would likely progress through the second leg at home on March 18. Manager Hansi Flick is reportedly considering significant squad rotations in an upcoming La Liga match against Sevilla to preserve key players for the Newcastle return fixture.

Read at Barca Universal