Guardiola praises Hansi Flick’s Barcelona – ‘One of the best versions in recent years’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team is gearing up for a crucial tie against Real Madrid this midweek.

The two teams are set to take each other on in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs.

Heading into this game, Guardiola spoke to the press, where he notably talked about Barcelona.

Guardiola on Barcelona’s form this season

When talking about Real Madrid, Guardiola brought up Barcelona and how they have performed under Hansi Flick this season.

The Man City manager even called the current rendition of Barcelona as one of the best versions of the club.

“At the moment, this is probably one of the best versions of Barcelona in recent years. The team is performing exceptionally this season, and we can compare it to the best versions of Barcelona,” he said (h/t AS).

Guardiola’s statement is hardly surprising as Barcelona have indeed reached new heights under the leadership of Flick.

Guardiola calls Flick’s team one of the best versions of Barcelona (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

As a matter of fact, the Catalans are closing in on a historic achievement, having already scored five goals in a single game 11 times this season.

Guardiola, for his part, has taken note of Barcelona’s form this season, though the Catalan will be more worried about Real Madrid this week.

Indeed, Real Madrid are set to take on the Premier League giants on Tuesday, though the reigning European champions are heading into this game with a depleted squad.

Guardiola, though, highlighted that Real Madrid are serial winners and praised their consistency.

“Real Madrid have proven once again this year how consistent they are, something that sets them apart from Barcelona,” he said.

But while Real Madrid battle it out with Man City for a place in the UCL Round of 16, Barcelona have already secured a place in the last 16 thanks to their second-placed finish in the league stage.