Universidad de Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli has stated his belief that the Chilean side would be competitive if pitted against European and world champions Barcelona.

The trainer has enjoyed a phenomenal start to his time with the U, winning both the Apertura and Clausura championships in Chile and also lifting the club's first-ever international title, with victory over Liga de Quito in the Copa Sudamericana.

The team's high-tempo, possession-based football has led to many commentators dubbing them 'The Barcelona of South America'. Sampaoli would not say if Universidad could get a result against Lionel Messi and Co. but claimed that his side would not look out of place on the same field.

"I do not know if we are close to the best team in the world," he stated in an interview with Argentina's La Nacion on Thursday.

"But we would probably be competitive in some part of the game if we were to play them."

Sampaoli went on to talk about Napoli-bound Vargas, who scored an incredible 11 goals in their Sudamericana campaign and came second for the South American Player of the Year award. The Argentine allowed himself and his coaching staff some of the credit for the 22-year-old's startling improvement in 2011.

"When I arrived [Vargas] was barely playing. He exploded with us. His development and growth aided the team throughout the year," he explained.

The Argentine has already confirmed that he will stay with Universidad during 2012, where the team will compete in the Copa Libertadores.

his team couldn't even make it on Fifa

(jokes aside i wish they were on FIFA)

play a match in the libertadores first,then get delusional

Given the type of football they are said to be playing, i wouldnt be surprised. Doubts remain on their ability to perform at the highest level tho, and they lost Vargas.

Bielsa's understudy

They came to Rio and outclassed my flamengo 4-0

they play a new version of tiki-taka its so damn organised


they really are the next Barca

Unilona