Pep Guardiola is relishing the prospect of playing Espanyol this weekend and also the challenge that lies ahead in Europe after FC Barcelona were paired with Arsenal in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
The Blaugrana boss would have expected the derby this weekend and the tie with the Gunners to be
the focus of his press conference on Friday and so it proved as he stated: "They will be two great
games for the fans."
Blanc i Blau compliments
Looking ahead to the local derby against Espanyol first Guardiola is a
fan of the Blanc i Blau and coach Mauricio Pochettino. "It will be a great game," he reiterated.
"Espanyol are going well and are playing good football. They do not only apply pressure, but they
also can play the ball out from the back and have creative midfielders like Verdú and Callejón.
They play with great intensity and they know how to play well."
Espanyol encounter
Pochettino's hard work at Cornellà-El Prat has been noticed by the Barça
coach too. "There is a lot of work behind the team," he continued. "That is why they are fourth in
the table. Pochettino has created a good dynamic and the players have adapted to the ideas and to
what he has wanted since taking over there. I have learnt a lot watching them. We will have to play
with precision and speed to counteract their play and to win the game."
Arsenal tie
The derby may have been 24 hours away, but Guardiola was asked to look two months
ahead to the Champions League tie against Arsenal. "They are a classic team in the Champions League
and the Premier League," he said. "We expect a repeat of the two great games from last season
against a side that, like Barça, attack and defend with the ball."
Guardiola admitted that he has not seen much of Arsenal this term, but
knows about Arséne Wenger's team's philosophy. "They have no player that plays badly," he
commented. "They are a daring team and have had a definite style for many years. Samir Nasri is in
great form and it is a pity that Cesc (Fàbregas) has not been playing much because of injuries, but
I am sure he will be back for this tie. Anyway, we will have to see what kind of form both teams
are in when the tie comes around. Now is not important."
Photos: Miguel Ruiz-FCB.
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Premier League challenge
Asked about him facing a Premier League challenge as a coach Guardiola added: "It was something I
thought about as a player, but it was not to be. In the short-term as a coach I do not plan to go
there, but one never knows further down the line. I will not be at Barça forever, but at the moment
I cannot see it."