Ibrahimovic blasts Guardiola, Barcelona

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has defended his decision to reveal the truth about his unhappy spell at Barcelona in his autobiography.

The book, titled ‘I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic’, is set to be released on November 15, but Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet recently leaked excerpts from the book, which included the 30-year-old directing heavy criticism at the management of former coach Pep Guardiola.

However, Ibrahimovic has insisted that there is no ulterior motive to the sudden release of his story, believing it was necessary to clarify his version of events that took place in Catalunya two seasons ago.

“If anyone has anything else to say or they know something I don’t, then they are welcome to speak, but I’ve told you everything I know in this book,” said the striker.

The Sweden international joined Barcelona in a blaze of glory during the summer of 2009 from Inter, but he admitted that his experience contrasted from the one he had dreamed of, despite scoring 21 goals for the European champions.

“Sometimes it is better to be content with what you have to dream about, than to fulfill it, only to discover that it almost kills you,” he said.

In the autobiography, Ibrahimovic revealed that he completely lost control in the aftermath of Barcelona’s 4-1 away win over Villarreal in the 2009-10 campaign which followed their Champions League elimination by Inter only days before.

He told Guardiola that he was afraid of then-Inter coach Jose Mourinho and that the Barcelona coach could ‘go to hell’.

“I yelled to him: ‘You have no balls!’ And probably worse things than that. And I added: ‘You are sh***ing yourself about Mourinho! You can go to hell!’ I was completely mad. If I were Guardiola, I would have been frightened,” Ibrahimovic writes in the first chapter of his book.

The former Ajax star also took the time to reveal his true feelings for Barcelona trio Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room was way too quiet for me. Messi, Iniesta and Xavi always obeyed without protesting. They were like schoolboys. I’m not like that and I couldn’t be myself,” he said.

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Pep Guardiola lays into Mourinho

By Shourin Roy on April 27, 2011 6:48 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

The lead in to Barca vs Real is just as fascinating. The normally composed Pep Guardiola finally lays into Jose Mourinho. The Guardian has an English transcript along with a bit about what sparked this row.

"Mourinho es el puto amo". Sort of dismaying because we now have the spectacle of Guardiola coming down to Mourinho's level. On the other hand, this is the sort of stuff that can fire up both squads in a game of such immeasurable magnitude. It is a sign of Mourinho's genius that a €500m team gets to play victim while all the pressure is on Barca to prove themselves.

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Kenny Dalglish Is Just Like Pep Guardiola Claims Liverpool Star

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has likened his manager Kenny Dalglish to Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

Dalglish has transformed the fortunes of the Merseyside club since taking over from Roy Hodgson in January.

The Reds got off to their worst ever start in Premier league history under the former Fulham boss but Dalglish has since masterminded victories over Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Liverpool are still in with an outside chance of qualifying for the Europa League and Reina is keen to sing the praises of his Scottish boss.

“Guardiola is a bit younger than him, of course,” Reina said. “But they have very similar backgrounds – icons as players and great managers as well.

“It is important that Kenny knows the club. He’s a legend in Liverpool – and I mean a legend because sometimes that word is used too much for other people.

“Kenny knows exactly what the people here think and what the supporters want to see.

“Because he was a great player himself, he understands the point of view of a player and that means he knows how to set standards.

“He makes everything much easier for us. We have improved since Kenny became manager. We have beaten the big teams. But it is important as players to repeat that in every game.”

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loading..., 6.8 out of 10 based on 5 ratings Tagged Under: barcelona, Chelsea FC, kenny dalglish, liverpool fc, Manchester City FC, Manchester United, Pep Guardiola, Pepe Reina

No semi-final yet, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has said Barcelona are yet to book a Champions League semi-finals place despite their romping victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Barcelona picked up a healthy advantage in the first leg of the quarter-final encounter at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, winning 5-1 courtesy of goals from Andres Iniesta, Daniel Alves, Gerard Pique, Seydou Keita and Xavi Hernandez.

Ukranian Premier League holders Shakhtar had their own chances, although they could only muster a solitary goal in the 60th minute when Dario Srna’s effort deflected off Yaroslav Rakytskiy and into the back of the net.

But despite Barca’s four-goal advantage heading into the return leg in Ukraine, Barca manager Guardiola remained wary of his opponents.

“The result is what it is, but Shakhtar are led by an experienced coach and I am still afraid,” he said.

Guardiola is adamant the tie is not yet over and claimed he is not thinking about a likely semi-final meeting with arch-rivals Real Madrid, who have one foot in the next stage after comprehensively beating Tottenham on Tuesday.

“We have to play in Donetsk first and then we will think about Real Madrid,” Guardiola said.

Shakhtar goalscorer Rakytskiy lamented his side’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal against the Spanish powerhouse.

“Their early goal knocked us back a little bit,” he said. “We had enough chances in the first half to even go in front.”

“Fortune favoured Barcelona today, but the final score is our fault and it’s down to a lack of attention

No semi-final yet, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has said Barcelona are yet to book a Champions League semi-finals place despite their romping victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Barcelona picked up a healthy advantage in the first leg of the quarter-final encounter at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, winning 5-1 courtesy of goals from Andres Iniesta, Daniel Alves, Gerard Pique, Seydou Keita and Xavi Hernandez.

Ukranian Premier League holders Shakhtar had their own chances, although they could only muster a solitary goal in the 60th minute when Dario Srna’s effort deflected off Yaroslav Rakytskiy and into the back of the net.

But despite Barca’s four-goal advantage heading into the return leg in Ukraine, Barca manager Guardiola remained wary of his opponents.

“The result is what it is, but Shakhtar are led by an experienced coach and I am still afraid,” he said.

Guardiola is adamant the tie is not yet over and claimed he is not thinking about a likely semi-final meeting with arch-rivals Real Madrid, who have one foot in the next stage after comprehensively beating Tottenham on Tuesday.

“We have to play in Donetsk first and then we will think about Real Madrid,” Guardiola said.

Shakhtar goalscorer Rakytskiy lamented his side’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal against the Spanish powerhouse.

“Their early goal knocked us back a little bit,” he said. “We had enough chances in the first half to even go in front.”

“Fortune favoured Barcelona today, but the final score is our fault and it’s down to a lack of attention

Proof That Barcelona Boss Pep Guardiola Told Players to Get Booked (Video)

7 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on April 6th, 2011

Footage that clearly shows that Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola rather cleverly instructed his players to get themselves booked during last weekend’s Villarreal encounter to avoid being suspended for the crunch El Clasico match. Spotted on 101 Great Goals.

Guardiola aims to keep it clean

Pep Guardiola has emphasised the importance of keeping a clean sheet against Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League quarter-final.

The Barcelona boss said it was imperative the Catalans maintain their high-tempo passing game and restrict the Ukrainians of space to exploit in the first leg of the tie on Wednesday at the Nou Camp.

“We have to compete at our maximum level tomorrow,” Guardiola said on Tuesday. “Tomorrow, if we play at half speed, Shakhtar will steamroll us.”

“When you play away, it is vital to score, and when you play at home it is important not to concede. We are playing at a stage in which every team is strong, and it might be that they score.”

The treble-winning coach has not underestimated his opponents as he fielded a side comprising many second-string names for the clash with Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday.

“We will field our best eleven, and play to the fullest, because Shakhtar are a team who play a very good, direct game,” he said.

“We have to impose ourselves on the game. In Europe, home advantage is very important.”

Guardiola also singled out the threat of Shakhtar striker Luiz Adriano, who netted against Roma in the second-round clash against Roma.

“They have Adriano, who is a great attacker, and when their full backs come into the midfield to play, they dominate. They open up space and create problems,” he said.

Wed 6 April, 2011

Guardiola aims to keep it clean

Pep Guardiola has emphasised the importance of keeping a clean sheet against Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League quarter-final.

The Barcelona boss said it was imperative the Catalans maintain their high-tempo passing game and restrict the Ukrainians of space to exploit in the first leg of the tie on Wednesday at the Nou Camp.

“We have to compete at our maximum level tomorrow,” Guardiola said on Tuesday. “Tomorrow, if we play at half speed, Shakhtar will steamroll us.”

“When you play away, it is vital to score, and when you play at home it is important not to concede. We are playing at a stage in which every team is strong, and it might be that they score.”

The treble-winning coach has not underestimated his opponents as he fielded a side comprising many second-string names for the clash with Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday.

“We will field our best eleven, and play to the fullest, because Shakhtar are a team who play a very good, direct game,” he said.

“We have to impose ourselves on the game. In Europe, home advantage is very important.”

Guardiola also singled out the threat of Shakhtar striker Luiz Adriano, who netted against Roma in the second-round clash against Roma.

“They have Adriano, who is a great attacker, and when their full backs come into the midfield to play, they dominate. They open up space and create problems,” he said.

Wed 6 April, 2011

Guardiola hails Barca´s mental toughness

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola expressed his relief after a trying week ended in a 2-1 win over Getafe on Sunday.

Barca kept their five-point lead at the top of La Liga intact with the victory, which came thanks to goals from Dani Alves and Bojan, who marked his 100th league appearance with his 50th-minute strike.

The win came at the end of a difficult few days for the club, amid doping allegations and news that defender Eric Abidal had a tumour on his liver.

“The week has been very long, a lot has happened and you never know how you are going to play,” Guardiola said of the distractions.

“But I think we have done well. The reaction has been good, we created many chances, but that has not been reflected at the end of the game.”

“You never know how the players react, but they were fantastic and I’m really happy with the performance.”

Guardiola confirmed that Abidal was recovering well from the successful surgery to remove the tumour.

“He is recovering well. He’s in a good mood and his family are too. Hopefully in the next fortnight he’ll be ready to visit and join us at the Ciudad Deportivo (Sports City),” he said.

The manager had no issue with Xavi picking up a one-match ban for accumulating five yellow cards, which will rule him out of the trip Villarreal on April 3.

“It’s part of the game. He has accumulated five cards and the players know how many cards they are on. He will rest against Villarreal and have a clean slate after that,” Guardiola said.

Sun 20 March, 2011

Guardiola hails Barca´s mental toughness

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola expressed his relief after a trying week ended in a 2-1 win over Getafe on Sunday.

Barca kept their five-point lead at the top of La Liga intact with the victory, which came thanks to goals from Dani Alves and Bojan, who marked his 100th league appearance with his 50th-minute strike.

The win came at the end of a difficult few days for the club, amid doping allegations and news that defender Eric Abidal had a tumour on his liver.

“The week has been very long, a lot has happened and you never know how you are going to play,” Guardiola said of the distractions.

“But I think we have done well. The reaction has been good, we created many chances, but that has not been reflected at the end of the game.”

“You never know how the players react, but they were fantastic and I’m really happy with the performance.”

Guardiola confirmed that Abidal was recovering well from the successful surgery to remove the tumour.

“He is recovering well. He’s in a good mood and his family are too. Hopefully in the next fortnight he’ll be ready to visit and join us at the Ciudad Deportivo (Sports City),” he said.

The manager had no issue with Xavi picking up a one-match ban for accumulating five yellow cards, which will rule him out of the trip Villarreal on April 3.

“It’s part of the game. He has accumulated five cards and the players know how many cards they are on. He will rest against Villarreal and have a clean slate after that,” Guardiola said.

Sun 20 March, 2011

Gerard Pique Kicked In the Nuts, Pep Guardiola Feels His Pain (Video)

2 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 16th, 2011

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is so in tune with his players that he live vicariously through every moment of joy and the occasional bouts of extreme pain. On this occasion the Nou Camp manager can be seen experiencing some very real empathy pain after seeing defender Gerard Pique getting kicked in the private parts.

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Guardiola quiet on costly decisions

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has refused to discuss the performance of referee Miguel Lasa in his side’s 1-1 draw at Sevilla on Sunday.

Barca’s lead in La Liga was cut to just five points over Real Madrid after the Spanish champions could only manage a point at Sevilla, though Lasa was in the spotlight for two decisions that potentially cost Guardiola’s side the game.

Firstly, the referee disallowed an early Lionel Messi goal after ruling that Sergio Busquets had infringed at the free kick.

Then, the referee waved away calls for a penalty in the second half after goal-scorer Bojan Krkic appeared to be felled in the area.

But Guardiola did not wish to make any comment on the referee and said he was satisfied overall with Barcelona’s performance.

“The referees always do their utmost,” Guardiola said.

“I’m a representative of the institution Barcelona. I don’t want to talk about the disallowed goal of Messi.”

“A Barcelona coach doesn’t discuss the referee’s performance.”

“We put in a good performance against a great team. Maybe we deserved more than a draw after our first-half performance.”

“Sevilla improved after the break and showed their great mentality.”

“Overall I’m quite satisfied with how we played. We always try to control the game, but sometimes you face a strong opponent. We didn’t lose though and never stopped trying.”

Sun 13 March, 2011

Guardiola quiet on costly decisions

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has refused to discuss the performance of referee Miguel Lasa in his side’s 1-1 draw at Sevilla on Sunday.

Barca’s lead in La Liga was cut to just five points over Real Madrid after the Spanish champions could only manage a point at Sevilla, though Lasa was in the spotlight for two decisions that potentially cost Guardiola’s side the game.

Firstly, the referee disallowed an early Lionel Messi goal after ruling that Sergio Busquets had infringed at the free kick.

Then, the referee waved away calls for a penalty in the second half after goal-scorer Bojan Krkic appeared to be felled in the area.

But Guardiola did not wish to make any comment on the referee and said he was satisfied overall with Barcelona’s performance.

“The referees always do their utmost,” Guardiola said.

“I’m a representative of the institution Barcelona. I don’t want to talk about the disallowed goal of Messi.”

“A Barcelona coach doesn’t discuss the referee’s performance.”

“We put in a good performance against a great team. Maybe we deserved more than a draw after our first-half performance.”

“Sevilla improved after the break and showed their great mentality.”

“Overall I’m quite satisfied with how we played. We always try to control the game, but sometimes you face a strong opponent. We didn’t lose though and never stopped trying.”

Sun 13 March, 2011

Guardiola wary of Sevilla threat

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola expects a stern test when his side return to La Liga action on Sunday with a trip to Sevilla.

After a tough 3-1 win against Arsenal on Tuesday to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Guardiola’s men are seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid in the league.

Despite the fact Sevilla are in eighth place on the table and a massive 36 points behind the leaders, Guardiola claims their Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is a difficult venue at which to get a result.

“It is one of the most difficult grounds, and they are tough opponents,” Guardiola said.

“They have been a top team for a long time, and have won many trophies. They are one of the big teams, and it is a classic game. They have good players and a well defined way of playing.”

“They know how to attack well and have good play down the wing – the arrival of (Croatian international midfielder Ivan) Rakitic has made them more solid in midfield.”

Sevilla, who qualified for last season’s Champions League, have no shortage of quality according to Guardiola, and he insists the game is one his men cannot afford to take lightly.

“They are a team who have shown that they are capable of playing well even when losing,” he said.

“(Diego) Capel, (Frederic) Kanoute and Navas, Rakitic and Renato are great players.”

“They have (Didier) Zokora, and Romaric who isn’t even playing so much recently. That shows the talent that they have. They are the most recent cup winners, one of the teams with the most trophies in recent years.”

Sat 12 March, 2011

Guardiola wary of Sevilla threat

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola expects a stern test when his side return to La Liga action on Sunday with a trip to Sevilla.

After a tough 3-1 win against Arsenal on Tuesday to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Guardiola’s men are seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid in the league.

Despite the fact Sevilla are in eighth place on the table and a massive 36 points behind the leaders, Guardiola claims their Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is a difficult venue at which to get a result.

“It is one of the most difficult grounds, and they are tough opponents,” Guardiola said.

“They have been a top team for a long time, and have won many trophies. They are one of the big teams, and it is a classic game. They have good players and a well defined way of playing.”

“They know how to attack well and have good play down the wing – the arrival of (Croatian international midfielder Ivan) Rakitic has made them more solid in midfield.”

Sevilla, who qualified for last season’s Champions League, have no shortage of quality according to Guardiola, and he insists the game is one his men cannot afford to take lightly.

“They are a team who have shown that they are capable of playing well even when losing,” he said.

“(Diego) Capel, (Frederic) Kanoute and Navas, Rakitic and Renato are great players.”

“They have (Didier) Zokora, and Romaric who isn’t even playing so much recently. That shows the talent that they have. They are the most recent cup winners, one of the teams with the most trophies in recent years.”

Sat 12 March, 2011

Keita the key, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola singled out Seydou Keita as the man who made the difference for a depleted Barcelona in their 3-0 win over Mallorca.

Goals from Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro secured the La Liga victory for the visitors to the Iberostar Stadium on Saturday.

But Mali international Keita – who has been forced to contend with a place on the bench for much of the season – was the man to draw special praise from Barca coach Guardiola.

“Today we have won the game thanks to (Seydou) Keita,” Guardiola said.

“He is a strong midfielder, and we need him a lot. I’m happy for him.”

The defending La Liga champions were without key men Carlos Puyol, Victor Valdes, Dani Alves and Xavi for the away match.

But Guardiola acknowledged that injuries and suspensions were a fact of life.

“I would prefer that they were all available and nobody got hurt, but these things happen,” he said.

“If they didn’t we would just have 11 players and our accounts would be healthier.”

Sun 27 February, 2011

Keita the key, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola singled out Seydou Keita as the man who made the difference for a depleted Barcelona in their 3-0 win over Mallorca.

Goals from Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro secured the La Liga victory for the visitors to the Iberostar Stadium on Saturday.

But Mali international Keita – who has been forced to contend with a place on the bench for much of the season – was the man to draw special praise from Barca coach Guardiola.

“Today we have won the game thanks to (Seydou) Keita,” Guardiola said.

“He is a strong midfielder, and we need him a lot. I’m happy for him.”

The defending La Liga champions were without key men Carlos Puyol, Victor Valdes, Dani Alves and Xavi for the away match.

But Guardiola acknowledged that injuries and suspensions were a fact of life.

“I would prefer that they were all available and nobody got hurt, but these things happen,” he said.

“If they didn’t we would just have 11 players and our accounts would be healthier.”

Sun 27 February, 2011

Pep Guardiola Officially Signs New 18 Month Barcelona Contract

3 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on February 23rd, 2011

Is it just me or is the Nou Camp manager looking very closely at president Sandro Rosell’s hand before shaking it?

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Guardiola wary of Arsenal weapons

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola is anticipating a stronger Arsenal than the one his side disposed of in last season’s Champions League.

Barca eliminated Arsenal at the quarter-final stage after an emphatic 4-1 second-leg victory iced a 6-3 aggregate win.

The duo meet earlier in the competition this time around, with the first leg of their the first elimination round tie on Wednesday at the Emirates.

Guardiola believes the Gunners are a much more composed outfit this season, and also praised opposition manager Arsene Wenger for the job he has done at the club.

“I have a lot of respect for Arsenal,” he said.

“I have an idea after seeing both games we played last season, but it’s just an idea. Many players have changed, (Robin) van Persie a lot.”

“I thought last season it would be a very good in both games and it will be the same this season.”

“The experience is a good detail for our lifes. They know better right now than (the) last night (last) season, because it’s very fresh the experience of last season.”

“But Mr Wenger has a lot of experience for these kind of games. A long time ago he became coach of Arsenal, and Arsenal every season, every year play in the Champions League. In Barcelona we admire his style, his way to play football.”

Guardiola was also drawn for comment on Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, who the Catalan club coveted prior to the season: “Cesc is an Arsenal player, and Wenger says always, in the past and in the present, I think in the future,” he said.

“Cesc will continue with Arsenal. Let him play there, and let Wenger play with his player. If one day Arsenal decide Cesc can go, we will be interested.”

Fabregas will lead the Gunners midfield against a star-studded Barca engine room featuring the likes of Spain team-mates Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

The latter believes Barca must be at their best to come away from the Emirates Stadium with a result.

“We will need to be a bit cagey and defend well when they have the ball. We will have to try to cut down our mistakes, be focused all the time and convert our chances,” he said.

“I think this match is going to be decided in our second match when we return to Barcelona. We are in the Champions League and this is where we find the best teams in the world.”

“I don’t think anyone is going to be thinking that tomorrow we will be able to win the tie. We need to play well tomorrow, take our chances and try to get a good result for the second leg. Hopefully we will manage to do that.”

Wed 16 February, 2011

Guardiola wary of Arsenal weapons

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola is anticipating a stronger Arsenal than the one his side disposed of in last season’s Champions League.

Barca eliminated Arsenal at the quarter-final stage after an emphatic 4-1 second-leg victory iced a 6-3 aggregate win.

The duo meet earlier in the competition this time around, with the first leg of their the first elimination round tie on Wednesday at the Emirates.

Guardiola believes the Gunners are a much more composed outfit this season, and also praised opposition manager Arsene Wenger for the job he has done at the club.

“I have a lot of respect for Arsenal,” he said.

“I have an idea after seeing both games we played last season, but it’s just an idea. Many players have changed, (Robin) van Persie a lot.”

“I thought last season it would be a very good in both games and it will be the same this season.”

“The experience is a good detail for our lifes. They know better right now than (the) last night (last) season, because it’s very fresh the experience of last season.”

“But Mr Wenger has a lot of experience for these kind of games. A long time ago he became coach of Arsenal, and Arsenal every season, every year play in the Champions League. In Barcelona we admire his style, his way to play football.”

Guardiola was also drawn for comment on Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, who the Catalan club coveted prior to the season: “Cesc is an Arsenal player, and Wenger says always, in the past and in the present, I think in the future,” he said.

“Cesc will continue with Arsenal. Let him play there, and let Wenger play with his player. If one day Arsenal decide Cesc can go, we will be interested.”

Fabregas will lead the Gunners midfield against a star-studded Barca engine room featuring the likes of Spain team-mates Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

The latter believes Barca must be at their best to come away from the Emirates Stadium with a result.

“We will need to be a bit cagey and defend well when they have the ball. We will have to try to cut down our mistakes, be focused all the time and convert our chances,” he said.

“I think this match is going to be decided in our second match when we return to Barcelona. We are in the Champions League and this is where we find the best teams in the world.”

“I don’t think anyone is going to be thinking that tomorrow we will be able to win the tie. We need to play well tomorrow, take our chances and try to get a good result for the second leg. Hopefully we will manage to do that.”

Wed 16 February, 2011