Read what Jose Mourinho said about Lionel Messi

It is easier for a club which has Messi to win games - Mourinho

– Jose Mourinho believes team-play has helped Barcelona to succeed

– Says Lionel Messi makes winning easy for the Catalan giants

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has stated that team-play is responsible for the success of Barcelona, adding that it is not just about Lionel Messi.

The 53-year-old Portuguese believes the Catalan giants have carved a niche for themselves in modern football and all thanks to team play-by the superstars, but confessed that it is easier for a club which has Messi to win games, because of his qualities.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on TwitterThe Barcelona no.10 has won an incredible 26 senior titles in his illustrious career, but Mourinho says that his success on the pitch is aided by the whole of the team.

“First of all it’s about individual players,” he told BT Sport .

“Just to give you an example, Messi won the Champions League with three different managers.

“I think it’s easier to win with him, than against him. I am a football team manager. I know that sometimes people think that the individual is more important than the team.

“But when I feel that it is time for me to take a permanent holiday. I still think that the team is more important than anything.

“But the obvious reality is that there are some players who can make a difference.”

On Wednesday March 16, Neymar, Suarez and Messi all produced sensational goals for Barcelona at the Camp Nou to ensure the Gunners were yet again knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16.

The same Catalan giants knocked out Arsene Wenger’s men at the same stage in the 2014/2015 season of the competition. Barcelona won the second leg 3 – 1, with Elneny getting a consolation for the English Premier League team.

It ended 5 – 1 on aggregates in favour of Barcelona after the first leg ended 2 – 0 in favour of the defending champions.