Former manager admits he would ‘avoid facing Barcelona’ in the Champions League

Pep Guardiola recently appeared on the popular Italian show Che Tempo Che Fa where he reunited with his former Brescia teammate, Roberto Baggio. 

Guardiola spoke openly about his career, Lionel Messi, his admiration for Johan Cruyff, and his enduring connection with Barcelona, providing some insightful reflections.

He acknowledged that he’s had the privilege of managing three great teams during his career, but Barcelona, the club of his heart, hold a special place in his journey. 

His deep connection to the Catalan club is something he often reflects on, and it continues to shape his outlook on the sport. “I was lucky at Barcelona, ​​the team of my heart. But I’ve been in three great teams in my career,” he admitted.

One of the key figures in Guardiola’s development was Johan Cruyff. He credited the Dutch legend for significantly influencing his career, not just from a tactical perspective but also shaping him as a person. 

“I can’t imagine what my life and career would have been like without Cruyff. 

“He taught me a lot on a tactical level, but above all, he created me on a human level. He was a genius, unique. He made me fall in love with football,” he noted.

Lionel Messi, Pele, Maradona

Pep Guardiola says Lionel Messi is the best player of all time. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Guardiola also addressed his time coaching Lionel Messi, highlighting the rare talent Messi possesses. While he recognises other football legends like Pele and Maradona, he considers Messi to be the best player of all time. 

“You have to know him. For me, it’s easy to say that he’s the best player of all time, but the stars came together at that moment. 

“The strongest? Maybe it’s a lack of respect towards Pelé and Maradona, but for me yes.” 

Guardiola marvels at Messi’s consistency over such a long period, comparing him to other sporting greats like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. He feels fortunate to have witnessed Messi’s brilliance up close during his time at Barcelona.

“I’ve never seen someone like that coaching, you can’t imagine him maintaining this continuity for 15-20 years. 

“When you see him up close, you think of Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan: we were lucky to be their contemporaries. These characters are Sorrentino’s Great Beauty: it’s a great title for that team.”

Lastly, when asked about the one team he would prefer to avoid facing in the Champions League, he pointed to Barcelona. 

“Good question. Barcelona, ​​maybe. The affection I have for them destroys me. I was born in a small town nearby, finding each other is never easy.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo