Jean-Marie Pfaff: 'Barcelona over-reliant on Lionel Messi'

Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff has claimed that Barcelona rely too much on Lionel Messi's performances and believes that his former side will edge it in the two Champions League semi-final legs.

Pfaff, who made over 150 appearances for the German side during the 1980s, thinks the current Bundesliga champions have what it takes to reach the final.

The former Belgian shot-stopper believes that if the Argentine's performance drops then so does half the squad's, making Bayern stronger collectively.

"Barcelona are a great team but I believe Bayern Munich are much stronger collectively," Pfaff said, according to Goal.com.

"If Messi doesn't have a good day, half of the Barcelona team isn't good. The striker can be good but if the last pass doesn't come it's difficult.

"I think the whole team of Bayern Munich, from the goalkeeper to any other player can combine very well."

Pep Guardiola will travel to Camp Nou to face his former side in the first leg of the semi-finals on May 6, after Bayern were drawn alongside Barca on Friday afternoon.