Ronald Koeman says Barcelona will go far in this season's Champions League but failed to admit whether the Blaugranas were favourites to win the trophy.

The Catalan club last won the European trophy in the 2013/14 season and have been challenging for a seventh but none has prevailed following their three consecutive exits in the knockout stage of the competition. Their latest exodus came last season in the hands of Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals after they succumb to an 8-2 defeat in the one-legged affair in Portugal.

The loss led to an overhaul of the six-time champions league winners which led to the sacking of Quique Setien and the exit of four key players – Rakitic, Vidal, Semedo and Suarez.

The Blaugranas will begin the new season with a first Group stage opening fixture against Ferencvaros at the Camp Nou and per the words of the current manager as reported by Marca, winning the trophy is not in the plans of Barcelona.

READ ALSO:

Pickford will not face disciplinary actions for tackle on Van Dijk

"At Barcelona, you have to play to win titles," Koeman said at his press conference on Monday. "Domestically and in Europe. But there are strong teams and you have to prove your credentials.

"After what has happened [at the club] we're not the favourites, but we can go far."

Barcelona lost during the weekend against Getafe away from home and will look to redeem themselves on Tuesday before facing Madrid on Saturday in the El Clasico.

Koeman believes Lionel Messi is improving game after game and is giving all his best to get the club on winning ways.

“I've now been working with Leo and the team for almost three weeks. I see, from the beginning, the big qualities he has as a player,” he said.

“Also, his commitment to the team in trying to do good pressing upfront. He's the best because he is so easy on the pitch, but he's very intelligent. He sees the best solutions in the game really fast. To see it is one [thing], but to do it is another.”