Ronaldinho Is Not Finished - Del Bosque

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Vicente del Bosque does not believe that Ronaldinho is finished as a top class player, but does think that Barcelona will struggle to overhaul Real Madrid this season.

The former Bernabéyou head coach has been surprised by the level of criticism aimed at the Brazilian superstar and is confident that he will come back.

"Ronaldinho is not finished," he stated in an interview with terra.es.

Bernd Schuster's side look set to be on course for a second consecutive title and Del Bosque has been impressed with the way the German has turned things around.

"They have created a harmonious squad, with unity and that is one of the main differences with respect to their nearest pursuer that is immersed in a process that has left them hanging by a thread and they do not have the confidence to take Madrid on," he said.

"Madrid have been lifted by the confidence they gained from the end of last season.

"Schuster is doing a good job and has calmed down his comments.

"He is making the right decisions and has created a team with his own modifications that are working out during the season.

"Those problems at the start due to the rotation and changes have ended, but this has been achieved little by little.

Despite believing that Barça will struggle domestically, Del Bosque does think that Frank Rijkaard's side will do well in Europe.

"They must be considered to be one of the favourites to win the Champions League along with Madrid and Manchester United," he added