Hansi Flick admits he is not surprised by the doubts surrounding Barcelona's chances of winning the Champions League this season.
Barca are eighth in the league phase after three games, thrashing Feyenoord and Galatasaray before losing to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain last time out.
The Blaugrana are on the longest current run without a clean sheet of any team in this season's Champions League (18 games).
However, their average of 2.97 goals per game in the competition under Flick is Barca's highest under any manager (86 goals in 29 matches).
Next up for Barca in the Champions League is a clash against last season's Europa League winners, Aston Villa.
When asked if he was surprised by the doubts surrounding Barca, Flick said: "No. It's the reality.
"We have to prove it; things are what they are. We've played our best football, we know it. There are no excuses.
"The results could be different, but I think we're playing at the same level as Real Madrid or PSG. I don't like to dwell on the past.
"We have to look at Aston Villa and then Atletico Madrid. We have enormous quality, and our objectives are to win La Liga and the Champions League. Nothing has changed after these two defeats.
"In football, it's normal to focus on these things. It's more interesting to talk about defeats and weaknesses."
This will be the first meeting between Barca and Villa since the Super Cup (played over two legs) in January 1983, which was won 3-1 on aggregate by the Villans (lost 1-0 away, won 3-0 at home).
Villa have led for more minutes than any other team in the Champions League this season (240:09), while they are one of only three teams yet to trail at any point, and Flick had high praise for his counterpart, Unai Emery.
"For me, he's one of the best coaches in the world, with a lot of success," Flick said about Emery.
"The way his team is playing, they have a clear structure. You see how they take set-pieces, and it's incredible, the confidence they have.
"It's going to be a tough match against a great team and a great coach."
Constantinetino
0
Oga I’ve told you to stop mentioning the past. This is a new season and new Real Madrid, you’re no match
No match,really ,so u actually thing u where better than us, anyway, enjoy it while it last
Dante708
0
But the fan thought you were the best team in Europe last year. And the year before. Surely they would have beat PSG, right? 🤣
"Truth is, looking at modern football, PSG and Barcelona share the exact same tactical identity. It really just boils down to PSG having that extra depth on the bench and a slightly sharper execution.”
/MADRIDISTA
0
wuna don try beat us this time now u get mouth to talk😁😁😁
Oga I’ve told you to stop mentioning the past. This is a new season and new Real Madrid, you’re no match
Constantinetino
0
Just keep making noise as usual 😂
wuna don try beat us this time now u get mouth to talk😁😁😁
/MADRIDISTA
0
against who 🤔
Just keep making noise as usual 😂
Constantinetino
0
Okay let’s see. Our first trophy will be Spanish super cup in February
against who 🤔
/MADRIDISTA
0
I know ,u no fit see me shidon quiet😁😁,don't worry no trophy for u this season again😁👍
Okay let’s see. Our first trophy will be Spanish super cup in February
Constantinetino
0
Oga forget history and talk about the present. Atleast that’s what you always tell us Madrid fans 😂
I know ,u no fit see me shidon quiet😁😁,don't worry no trophy for u this season again😁👍
/MADRIDISTA
0
So u wanna brag now cuz ur team is dominating ,it's ur turn now I respect that but not for long ,we've beating u well before it's not Like u've been dominant for a long time like us,but I respect ur team ,u guys have been fantastic this two season🙏👍
Oga forget history and talk about the present. Atleast that’s what you always tell us Madrid fans 😂
/MADRIDISTA
0
They can if they strengthen the defence
If if and if. That’s what we get all the time😂
neknoryz
0
tomorrow Farsa will lose to Villa and Sunday against the Atletico too, 2 more losses in 2 weeks total 4. NOT negreiga and not bandages in champios 😱🤣 LOL 🤣
Tidaeiptu
0
talk is cheap don't mine the haters because Barca have won champions league before and they are going to win again
Zawbimnpru
1
bribery and corruption could only work for them, laliga not ucl
Zawbimnpru
0
if Barcelona continues their dubious business activities in the ucl they will never win it any time soon God will always shame them
Temanost
0
But the fan thought you were the best team in Europe last year. And the year before. Surely they would have beat PSG, right? 🤣
4 years? you're such a lier. barca beat PSG at their home during xavi's last season 3-2. Barcelona where leading 1-0 at camp nou before Araujo collected that Red card. So rest kiddo
Constantinetino
0
But the fan thought you were the best team in Europe last year. And the year before. Surely they would have beat PSG, right? 🤣
So u wanna brag now cuz ur team is dominating ,it's ur turn now I respect that but not for long ,we've beating u well before it's not Like u've been dominant for a long time like us,but I respect ur team ,u guys have been fantastic this two season🙏👍
Pouabepuy
0
with this kind defenders in Barcelona they will never win uefa champions League
Fowaeiklp
1
you're talking as if Barca never beat PSG before, remember 6-1? the best ever come back in champions league history.
PSG been beating you almost 4 years now accept the defeat and shut up
Temanost
0
But the fan thought you were the best team in Europe last year. And the year before. Surely they would have beat PSG, right? 🤣
you're talking as if Barca never beat PSG before, remember 6-1? the best ever come back in champions league history.
mirin
2
thank you know the chain very well and the villa tactics, all i want you to do is to win the game with players for barca fanz
Mezdkmsyz
0
But the fan thought you were the best team in Europe last year. And the year before. Surely they would have beat PSG, right? 🤣
Barca isn’t a bad team we only need experience defenders to pair the young ones. Bastoni and Pedro Porro won’t be bad.
jakclmptyz
0
But the fan thought you were the best team in Europe last year. And the year before. Surely they would have beat PSG, right? 🤣
They can if they strengthen the defence
lahbdkmsyz
1
No way bro.. Barcelona is meant only for La Liga and Copa Del Ray
Jehbcelotz
1
But the fan thought you were the best team in Europe last year. And the year before. Surely they would have beat PSG, right? 🤣