FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.08.2009 23:59

Guardiola delighted with first trophy

Jordi Clos

Pep Guardiola was delighted after FC Barcelona secured their first piece of silverware of the new season and felt that the team had played at a great level against Athletic Club.

After the 3-0 win in Camp Nou on Sunday, the Blaugrana coach stated: "The aim of pre-season was to win the Spanish Super Cup and the European one too before making a good start to the league. This is the first trophy as last year has past and we are all pleased."

Call for decisiveness

Despite having numerous chances on goal throughout the game, it as not easy for Barça to score the three goals that eventually gave the side a 5-1 win on aggregate. Looking back at the game that saw Athletic close up shop at the back, Guardiola was philosophical. "In ties such as this you never know what can happen and Athletic are always resourceful," he explained. "I think that in finals we have to be more clinical, but in pre-season things are always slightly more difficult."

A great level

Looking at the huge number of chance that Barça had in the game, Guardiola continued: "The team played at a great level, very dynamic and pressured well while moving the ball around. We also created numerous chances and they did not have many against us at all. As for the players all I can do is to give them the desire to win, but the players all deserve the credit. More importantly we have to maintain this spirit."

Ibrahimovic and Messi

"Ibrahimovic will apply pressure because the other ten also do that," Guardiola explained when asked about the Swede's tracking back duties. "He has done well and will continue to do that. He played more minutes and played for longer than he did in the Gamper." On Messi, the coach added: "He only thinks about playing. He wants to enjoy himself out on the pitch and to show that he us the best."