Barca put hopes in out-playing the champions
Saturday, 23 May 2009
MADRID, May 22 (AFP): Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola believes that Manchester United are the best team in the world but he is confident that if his team are able to dominate possession then they can pass their way to success.
Guardiola's side reached the final in Rome by the skin of their teeth after beating Chelsea through an injury-time strike by Andres Iniesta, and he expects a similar battle against United.
"We are a top side and we showed that when we went to Real Madrid and won 6-2 when some people said it didn't matter if we win or not with the lead we had in the table, but that is not the way I think and it showed the ambition of the team," Guardiola told a press conference at the Nou Camp.
"We now face Manchester United who are the best team in the world and if we do not believe in our chances then there is a 110 per cent chance that we will not win.
"I cannot say how this game will finish but we will try and keep the ball as much as possible and play our usual attacking match.
Guardiola is expecting another physical battle like the semi-final against Chelsea.
"This is one of the most important games of my life, to coach a team in the final, but it is going to be tough. I don't know in which way you would say they are better, in defence they are very strong with (Nemanja) Vidic, (Rio) Ferdinand and (John) O'Shea, but they also know how to hold the ball and attack," he explained.
"Chelsea were stronger than us and so are United who also have a lot of quick players like (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Rooney. There are definitely going to be difficult moments in the game, I am still watching some of their matches and working out how to approach it.
"It is a great honour for me personally to face Alex Ferguson, he has a great record as a coach."
Barcelona will be weakened by the loss of full-backs Dani Alves and Eric Abidal through suspension but they are hoping that Inesta and Thierry Henry will overcome injuries in time.
Guardiola's side reached the final in Rome by the skin of their teeth after beating Chelsea through an injury-time strike by Andres Iniesta, and he expects a similar battle against United.
"We are a top side and we showed that when we went to Real Madrid and won 6-2 when some people said it didn't matter if we win or not with the lead we had in the table, but that is not the way I think and it showed the ambition of the team," Guardiola told a press conference at the Nou Camp.
"We now face Manchester United who are the best team in the world and if we do not believe in our chances then there is a 110 per cent chance that we will not win.
"I cannot say how this game will finish but we will try and keep the ball as much as possible and play our usual attacking match.
Guardiola is expecting another physical battle like the semi-final against Chelsea.
"This is one of the most important games of my life, to coach a team in the final, but it is going to be tough. I don't know in which way you would say they are better, in defence they are very strong with (Nemanja) Vidic, (Rio) Ferdinand and (John) O'Shea, but they also know how to hold the ball and attack," he explained.
"Chelsea were stronger than us and so are United who also have a lot of quick players like (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Rooney. There are definitely going to be difficult moments in the game, I am still watching some of their matches and working out how to approach it.
"It is a great honour for me personally to face Alex Ferguson, he has a great record as a coach."
Barcelona will be weakened by the loss of full-backs Dani Alves and Eric Abidal through suspension but they are hoping that Inesta and Thierry Henry will overcome injuries in time.