Messi, Neymar and Fabregas but Manchester City face 'worst Barcelona team in years', says Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has ramped up the pressure on Barcelona after launching a stinging attack on the Catalans ahead of their trip to Manchester City.

The Chelsea boss, who saw his side lose at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup over the weekend, claims the current Barca crop are the worst for 'many, many years'.



VIDEO Scroll down to watch Barcelona training at the Etihad



Leo ranger: Barcelona's Lionel Messi during a training session at the Etihad on Monday

While Gerardo Martino's men haven't drawn clear in La Liga - enduring a three-way battle for the title with Real and Atletico Madrid - they still possess one of the most-revered squads on the continent.

They travelled to Manchester on Monday morning ahead of the Champions League last-16 first leg. Despite surrendering their European crown to Bayern Munch last season, they are still considered favourites to win it in Lisbon.



'Of course by history Barcelona is the favourite, but this Barcelona, this season, is showing that it is not the same in previous years,' Mourinho told ITV. 'Of course they have (Lionel) Messi, he is special, and they have more than him.

Bright stuff: Messi wore his new rainbow coloured boots during a training session in Manchester on Monday

On the ball: Messi and Barcelona team-mates try out the Etihad turf

Cover up: Messi attempts to stay warm during a training session in Manchester on Monday

'But I think this is the worst Barcelona of many many years, so City have a chance.' Mourinho appeared more placid on the return to the Blues last summer but has been back to his prickly best in recent weeks.



The Portuguese has picked on City's spending and Arsene Wenger's fragility in a bid to win what are perceived to be 'mind games' in the race for the Premier League title.



Now he has opted to go for Barcelona. Even though a club almost untouchable in recent memory, cracks have formed since the departure of Pep Guardiola. They lost away at Ajax in November and endured a shock 3-2 defeat against Valencia at the Nou Camp earlier this month.



Quick feet: Messi and the rest of his Barcelona team-mates have been training at the Etihad Stadium

Hands up: Barcelona's Sergio Busquets in high spirits during training

On the ball: Barcelona players take part in a training session at the Etihad

Although Mourinho's comments serve as a dig at Barca, they inadvertently heap unwanted expectation on Pellegrini ahead of Tuesday's meeting.



This is generally considered City's major opportunity at stamping a mark on Europe, and the manager said over the weekend: 'I don't have any fear about playing Barcelona, because this team has got to continue to develop the mentality to play against important, important teams, whether that's in the last 16, the quarter-final.



Not impressed: Barcelona are in town and Jose Mourinho could not resist a swipe

No holding back: Mourinho had regular run-ins with Barcelona during his spell as Real Madrid boss

Big game: Manchester City's Yaya Toure faces his former side Barcelona

'I hope we see a very good match on Tuesday and I hope we can win at home.

'It's impossible to avoid Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich if you want to continue in the Champions League. So in one moment you must play against them. We play them in the last 16, so let's see what we can do.'



