Pep Guardiola Praises Barcelona’s High-Octane Style, Urges Patience Amid Defensive Criticism

Sports Reporter

Pep Guardiola has weighed in on the current state of Barcelona, offering praise for the team’s exhilarating style of play while addressing recent criticisms about their defence. The Manchester City manager urged fans and pundits alike to be patient and resist calls for drastic changes.

“I’m not the type to give advice, but some people say: ‘No, the problem is Barcelona’s defence…’ Listen, don’t change anything! Keep progressing the way you are now,” Guardiola said. He emphasized that it’s natural for opponents to find weaknesses over time, which is part of football’s evolving nature. “Isn't that the essence of the game? The team never stays the same; it will find a solution, and Hansi will also have to find the antidote.”

Guardiola, a lifelong Barcelona fan, expressed admiration for the team’s fast-paced and audacious style. “Sometimes I try to analyse what Barça are doing. I look at how they defend, how the play develops… They do everything at full speed! It’s genuinely fun and admirable.” While lamenting that Barcelona did not reach the final in their recent campaign, Guardiola acknowledged the challenge posed by Inter Milan.

Highlighting Barcelona’s attacking prowess, the former Barça coach noted, “I recently read that they score on average between 2.9 and 3 goals per match… to beat them, you have to score four. It’s truly very enjoyable to watch them play.”

When asked to compare Barcelona’s current style under Hansi Flick with previous philosophies, Guardiola reflected on the legacy of Johan Cruyff’s approach. “Johan’s idea was always to score more goals than the opponent, but it came with great control of the game. I think Hansi has given that idea a new twist.”

Guardiola’s comments underscore his respect for Barcelona’s evolving identity and his belief in the team’s potential to overcome challenges through continued growth.