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Football
Guardiola expresses admiration for Hansi Flick's Barcelona while emphasizing the difficulties of achieving Champions League success.
Hansi Flick's tenure at Barcelona has earned high praise from Pep Guardiola, who has become an admirer of the style of football the Spanish champions currently exhibit. Nevertheless, Guardiola also issued a cautionary note regarding the club's ambitions in the Champions League and the psychological challenges involved.
Since taking charge, Flick has led Barcelona to consecutive La Liga titles, securing the award for the league's best coach in both seasons. Despite this domestic dominance, the team has yet to replicate European success, with their last Champions League victory dating back to 2015.
At the opening of a new Cruyff Court at La Salle Manresa, his former school, Guardiola openly commended the progress under the German coach. He acknowledged the pressure inherent in managing at Camp Nou but expressed confidence in the team's foundation.
"I'm a big fan of Hansi, of how they do it and for many years," Guardiola told reporters. "They are Barca players, whether they are from La Masia or from outside, they do it very well. They have had two extraordinary years, beyond the results, how well they have done and how attractive it is to see them play."
While Guardiola appreciates the team's playing style, he highlighted the unpredictable nature of knockout competitions. Barcelona's ongoing Champions League title drought remains a significant issue, but he cautioned against judging the entire project solely on European success.
"The Champions League destroys projects, I hope that is not the case and that the fact of not winning it does not condition everything else," he said. "La Liga is the one that gives you consistency. In the Champions League you have to arrive well at the end, without injuries, the influence of the referees is great in this competition."
Guardiola stressed that consistent performance in the domestic league is the true measure of a team's progress. He advised Barcelona's management and supporters to maintain perspective even if the club falls short in Europe, as happened in the previous season's quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid.
"The important thing is that the day-to-day is good, that the team continues to grow and that they do not think that by not reaching the Champions League final or not winning it, the season is bad," Guardiola explained. "What marks the base of a season are the league titles."
Reflecting on his own career, Guardiola mentioned his recent departure from Manchester City and his uncertain professional plans. He joked about teaching at his old school but admitted he has yet to decide his next steps.
"Now I want to settle here for a while and I'll see what I do. I don't even know myself," he said. Regarding Bernardo Silva's potential fit at Barcelona, Guardiola was clear: "Bernardo would adapt to any team. He is too good." He also praised Julian Alvarez, noting, "City has them all very good."
