Benfica boss Jesus rejects Barca comparison: Koeman's team has nothing

Jorge Jesus did not take kindly to Benfica being compared to Barcelona because he thinks Ronald Koeman's team "has nothing".

Barca beat Juventus 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday following a run of one win in four games, which included a 3-1 home defeat against Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season.

Per game in LaLiga this term, the Blaugrana are averaging fewer shots (11), attempts on target (5), chances created (8) and passes (620) than in any of the previous eight campaigns at least.

Standard Liege winger Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez felt there was a comparison to be drawn between Barca's possession-based, attacking approach and Benfica, after the Portuguese giants beat the Belgian side 3-0 in the Europa League on Thursday.

Jesus' men had 67 per cent of possession, 16 attempts on goal, though only five were on target, and attempted 683 passes – over twice as many as Standard – in a resounding win over the Belgian team.

Former Benfica player Carcela-Gonzalez told Portuguese outlet Sport TV with a chuckle: "With Pizzi and [Adel] Taarabt, Benfica look like Barcelona."

Benfica remain undefeated at home in the Europa League 23 games played 19 games won 4 games drawn #UEL https://t.co/AV1159A15L pic.twitter.com/9i2xr7zYEs

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 29, 2020

It was not a comparison Jesus felt he could take pride in, however, given the situation at Camp Nou under Koeman.

"I will not say we are like Barcelona are now, nor do I want us to look like what they are now," said Jesus.

"The one from a few years ago, yes … the current team has nothing.

"I don't want us to look like the one from now, I don't care about the other one, though."