Anthony Gordon: Barcelona can compete with PSG and Real Madrid

Anthony Gordon says Barcelona are capable of matching Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, despite losing to both European heavyweights in the space of five days.

Hansi Flick’s side were beaten 4-2 by European champions PSG on 20 October before suffering a 2-1 home defeat by Real Madrid in the Clasico five days later.

Gordon accepts Barcelona must take responsibility for those results but rejects the idea that either opponent is currently operating at a higher level.

“I don’t think they’re above us,” Gordon told reporters. “We have to take responsibility for both losses because they’re the two biggest games we played so far this season and we lost, but I don’t think they’re above us.”

The winger believes the circumstances of the two matches also worked against Barcelona. PSG had rested their entire team in their domestic league the previous weekend, while Barcelona had little time to recover before facing Real Madrid.

Gordon felt Barcelona deserved more from the Clasico, saying they had controlled much of the match before defensive errors handed Madrid the advantage.

“For me, we were the much better team in the game. We had all the ball, all the possession, the better chances, but we were a slight bit off our best game,” he said.

“It cost us in the end. We conceded two very bad goals. Against this kind of opposition and this level of player, it can really hurt you in these games.”

Barcelona will try to respond when they host Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday, although Gordon expects a demanding test against Unai Emery’s team.

Aston Villa have won all three of their opening matches in the competition, beating Viking, Fenerbahce and Club Brugge.

“They’re a very good team. They have a great coach, one of the best in the world. It’s going to be a very difficult game,” Gordon said.

The 25-year-old moved to Barcelona from Newcastle United in the European summer in a deal that could eventually be worth 80 million euros.

He has scored three goals and provided five assists in 13 appearances across all competitions since making the transfer. However, Gordon believes he is yet to produce his best form in Spain.

“It’s a big change, a new team. It’s been a massive change for me and my family. I’ve started well but, like I’ve said numerous times, I can do more,” he added.

“It will take some time to grow, feel settled, and then when this happens I think you’ll see the very best of me, which you definitely haven’t seen so far.”