A previous statement by retired German player Toni Kroos has reignited the debate, as he had earlier predicted that Barcelona would fail to compete for the UEFA Champions League title.

In January, following Barcelona's victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, Kroos spoke out, criticizing the Catalan team's style of play, asserting that this approach would not lead them to achieve continental success.

Kroos said: "Barcelona is still happy with the Super Cup, but the Champions League is completely different, as they face opponents of the highest level. They won't win any European title, and they won't achieve the Champions League. If you are exhausted and don't change your style of play, you become exposed, and any team can harm you and knock you out."

This was not the first time Kroos criticized Barcelona's style under coach Hans Flick. He had previously pointed out last season that the team would not be able to win the Champions League if they continued with the same defensive approach.

With Barcelona repeatedly failing to reach the finals of the tournament in the past two seasons, many see Kroos's statements as accurate, given the team's continued struggles on the European stage despite domestic successes.