Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola is anticipating a tough match when Real Betis travel to the Camp Nou for their Copa del Rey clash.
Betis were poised to become a La Liga powerhouse when they won the Spanish Cup in 2005 and became Champions League group stage participants.
However, the club have suffered a fall from grace since, and were relegated to the Segunda Division after the 2008-09 season.
They sit on top of the table in the second tier and are attempting to fight their way into the Spanish top flight, and Guardiola is aware of the side’s capabilities prior to their quarter-final clash on Wednesday.
“Betis are the leaders of the second division, they look like they can play good football from what I’ve seen,” he said.
“The opponents (of Barcelona’s) this year have been extraordinary in games against us. Teams like Ceuta. I don’t think that Betis have beaten anyone the easy way in this year’s Copa del Rey. The cup is very special, and we will do our best to go through.”
Guardiola also offered praise to the three Barcelona players nominated for the Ballon d’Or – Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
The Barca boss added that Iniesta and Xavi had no qualms about finishing behind the incomparable Messi, who was announced the winner of the prestigious award on Monday.
“They are all very happy. They are three players who are great, and obviously when you go somewhere and are on the shortlist you want to win. It is normal to want to win the trophy in front of your family,” Guardiola said.
“But they have so much respect amongst themselves and for Spanish football. You can’t forget that they are the three best players in the world.”
“It is a great achievement for grass roots football in Spain and throughout the world. There were six or seven Spanish players in the best eleven.”
Wed 12 January, 2011
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