Lionel Messi’s absence could end up working in Barcelona’s favour, claims Francesco Coco, with Champions League rivals Inter hoping that the Argentine will figure on Wednesday.
The former Barca and Inter defender told Sport: “When a player like Messi is missing, the team always feels it.
“There is a Barca with Messi and one without Messi, but perhaps his absence could be an advantage.
“I explain myself. It would be better for Inter to face a champion like him because they would have greater stimuli and greater concentration.
“Knowing that Messi will not be involved could instead give them relief and represent a problem.”
Whether Messi is involved or not at Camp Nou, Coco concedes that Inter are in for a tough test.
He added: “To win at the Camp Nou you need three things: personality, intensity and courage.
“If you go there thinking that you will not win, you will collapse and fail. If, on the contrary, you prepare for the game without thinking about the result, then you may have some chance. It's all in the head.
“You have to give everything without letting Barcelona move the ball. This is my personal recipe for success.”