Luis Enrique has taken aim at the critics of Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, with the current Barcelona manager leaping to his defence. Guardiola faces criticism in Germany, having failed to win the Champions League in his spell in charge of the Bavarian club, but Enrique dismissed the notion, lauding Guardiola for being a ‘reference point’ in the world of football management.
Lucho was speaking to the press after Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Espanyol, a result that takes the Catalans close to a Liga title they won multiple times under Guardiola. The Bayern Munich boss has replicated his league success in the Bundesliga, winning the league in three successive seasons. However, he still faces reproval for missing out on a UEFA Champions League trophy.
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Luis Enrique does not count himself as one of the critics, however, noting that Guardiola losing out on the UEFA Champions League does not matter, saying “I have always been a fan of Pep and I couldn't care less about whether he wins the Champions League or not.”
“The important thing here is what he brings to the table, I don't think there's a single football fan who despises Guardiola, and if there is one, let him stew.”
Guardiola’s style of play is a trophy unto itself
Enrique has followed in Guardiola’s footsteps at Barcelona, ensuring that the trophies have returned to the Camp Nou after a few blips, all while maintaining the quality of football Guardiola’s sides came to represent.
The Barcelona boss credited Guardiola for it, saying “I admire him for what he accomplished as a player and as a coach, he is a reference point for those who love an attacking-minded style of football and he's also a friend of mine.”
The Bayern Munich manager’s typical style of play was on full display when the Bavarians lost out to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal, exiting the competition on away goals after dominating both legs of the tie for large spells.
With the Bayern Munich boss leaving for Manchester City in the summer, leaks of Guardiola’s internal troubles have emerged, with the Catalan blaming a ‘mole’ for damaging Bayern’s season. However, the Spaniard is unconcerned by criticism, saying “I’ve done my best here. But if you say that I had to win the Champions League, then I have failed.”
“Go ahead and write that I have failed.”
