Frank de Boer: Cristiano is fantastic but Messi is always my favourite

Frank de Boer, the coach and former Dutch footballer who played for Barcelona, spoke about Messi and Ronaldo at a Sportium event in Madrid, among other topics.

How do you see Barcelona?

They're not in the best form but winning their games, which is the most important thing. They have the image of a champion but have to improve their game, especially in the Champions League, because teams like Man City and PSG are really good.

And Real Madrid?

They have to improve their form because if not, the league title is lost. They have to beat Atletico and the Clasico, because if they lose against Atletico it will be very hard to win the league - Barcelona are not going to lose that many games. I'm still not sure what's happening to Madrid because they have almost the same team as last year. Maybe not so much hunger.

Whose Barcelona did you like more, Pep's or Lucho's?

For me they were nearly the same, there wasn't that much difference. Guardiola started with that style and took the team to another world. Luis Enrique continued on that line. 

You were a defender... who is easier to stop, Messi or Ronaldo?

I've always had a lot of confidence in myself. I always said that when in form I had no fear of facing any player - including Messi or Ronaldo. In my era there was Ronaldo Nazario, I played against him a lot and sometimes I had problems and other times no.

Who would you choose, Messi or Ronaldo?

My favourite is always Messi. I love to see him dribble, set up goals and score. Ronaldo is fantastic too, but I stick with Messi.