Former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is still adamant that his former employers are the best team in the world despite the Catalan side losing 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
The humbling at the hands of the French giants had many questioning the longevity left in the star-studded Barcelona squad and, of course, Luis Enrique's position as manager.
However, the Manchester City boss has dismissed these claims and believes Barcelona, along with the input of Lionel Messi, can overturn the hefty deficit in the second leg.
"For me Barcelona are still the best team in the world," Guardiola said, as perDaily Mail.
"Of course it was a surprise, but in football anything can happen.
"There is another 90 minutes left in the second leg and anything can happen. If a team can overcome this result then that team is Barcelona."
Enrique's position is now under serious threat with the club lagging behind Real Madrid in the title race leaving the Copa Del Rey, where they will play Deportivo Alaves in the final, the only realistic source of silverware this season.
However, despite their recent struggles, Guardiola urged people not to criticise the team too much and instead, remember the force that they are.
"It is normal after the game the comments that happen," Guardiola added. "But in 10 years Barcelona have ruled the world of football.
"My advice to everyone is that don't criticise them that much because they've proved everyone wrong."
Barcelona take on Leganes at the Nou Camp on Sunday evening in a bid to get back to winning ways after a truly disastrous midweek.