Words of flattery? Perhaps not, but Pep Guardiola certainly knows how to praise his opponents before games; and right now, his admiration goes to Athletic Bilbao and their manager.
According to the Spanish coach - who won six trophies in 2009 - Bilbao are “used to working at maximum effort. They are educated to believe that they can do more.”
Athletic Club were active in the Europa League on Thursday, but Guardiola refuses to accept that their game against Schalke has weakened them in the Blaugrana’s favour. Speaking at his pre-game press conference, Pep underlined Bilbao’s ability to dominate games despite not always being able to direct results their way.
Although Barcelona are currently under deep pressure chasing Real Madrid at the top of La Liga table, Guardiola showed no real sign of competition against the Basques, and especially not against their coach: “I think (Marcelo Bielsa) he’s the best and believe me, it’s a pleasure for me to go up against him.”
Guardiola justified his statement by adding: “They (Bilbao) are the sensation of Europe. They’ve earned the right to have the admiration of everyone.”
Interestingly, Barcelona and Athletic Club face each other in the 2012 Copa del Rey final in May. But according to the 41-year-old trainer, this is the ideal test “if we want to be champions of the League, the Cup, or Europe.”
Athletic Club were active in the Europa League on Thursday, but Guardiola refuses to accept that their game against Schalke has weakened them in the Blaugrana’s favour. Speaking at his pre-game press conference, Pep underlined Bilbao’s ability to dominate games despite not always being able to direct results their way.
Although Barcelona are currently under deep pressure chasing Real Madrid at the top of La Liga table, Guardiola showed no real sign of competition against the Basques, and especially not against their coach: “I think (Marcelo Bielsa) he’s the best and believe me, it’s a pleasure for me to go up against him.”
Guardiola justified his statement by adding: “They (Bilbao) are the sensation of Europe. They’ve earned the right to have the admiration of everyone.”
Interestingly, Barcelona and Athletic Club face each other in the 2012 Copa del Rey final in May. But according to the 41-year-old trainer, this is the ideal test “if we want to be champions of the League, the Cup, or Europe.”
