Bayern Munich manager, Pep Guardiola, has described Barcelona as the strongest team, after both clubs were paired together in Friday’s Champions League semi-final draw.
The Spaniard coached Barca between 2008 and 2012, before going on a one-year sabbatical. Guardiola then signed for the Bundesliga team afterwards.
Bayern’s trip to Spain will be Guardiola’s first return to the Nou Camp with another club and the 44-year-old has nothing but respect for the La Liga side.
“Obviously, Barcelona were one of the options. I have enjoyed a lot of success at Barca, but I am very happy to be here at Bayern. It’s fine for me. Barcelona are of course the best out there,” he said at a press conference.
“I am grateful to get this chance to return to Barcelona with Bayern. It is something very special.
“I cannot say anything bad about Barcelona. I have nothing but respect for Barca. I will never forget these two games.
“We will need the entire team to beat Barcelona. Believe me, they are the strongest.
“I am very happy for Luis Enrique. He is a great coach and a fine human being.
“Barcelona’s mentality and philosophy has not changed. They are still very much the same team.”
The last time both clubs met in the competition was the 2012/2013 season where Bayern recorded a 7-0 aggregate win.
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