"There is so much strength in depth in this country," Gatland said.
"I don't think there will be a lot of difference between some of the Super Rugby sides and the All Blacks."
And the Lions boss added: "These guys have been together seven months and the All Blacks will be coming together cold."
However, the UK Press and many Lions' fans were not buying his excuses.
In the Telegraph, former Lions first five-eighth Stuart Barnes said his comments were out of touch.
"A statement so out of touch with rugby reality that you wonder whether the Lions management's heads are in the clouds, clouds so long and white they can't see the way which way they are heading."
