We have to play better than 2009: Guardiola
We have to play better than 2009: Guardiola
Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi secured the prestigious European trophy for the Spanish giants in Rome

London: Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has praised Manchester United as a 'complete team' and concedes his side must play better on Saturday than they did in their final in 2009.

Although Barcelona won the Champions League against Sir Alex Ferguson's side two years ago, Guardiola fears a similar performance will not be enough to beat United this time round.

Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi secured the prestigious European trophy for the Spanish giants in Rome, but the Barcelona coach has urged his side to play with a higher tempo at Wembley.

"We played worse in Rome than we want to play tomorrow (Saturday)," Guardiola told reporters.

"It's very strange to say that and I'm happy to have won, but let's be honest, we have to play much better than in 2009 to win.

"We have to play much quicker. In terms of intensity and a few other things, they weren't quite as good as we would have liked.

"That is something I have told my players repeatedly over the last few days. If the players who played in Rome played like that now we wouldn't win.

"I am worried about everything about Manchester United. They have fantastic, powerful players and are as good as we are.

"This not yesterday's team. This is an historic team. They have been through everything and we know how they do things.

"They are one of the complete teams I have seen in all senses. That is why we have to play a great game."

Guardiola maintains his side are prepared to face United, and maintains if his charges replicate the form they've shown over the past year, that may be enough to lift the trophy.

"Ferguson said there were four or five different teams he could pick. That shows the quality they have but we have looked at them enough to know what we need to do," Guardiola said.

"Strong points? They have a lot of them, but weak points? Well they have a lot of them too. We have to use what we have got as well as we can.

"We are ready. We are in the right mood. There were a few things I wasn't so keen on in training, but what I've seen generally says we are ready to meet the challenge.

"If we play as we have over the last year and give everything I believe that will be enough."

Barcelona have the opportunity to clinch their 10th trophy in Guardiola’s three-year reign and the 40-year-old believes it is difficult to label his side as the best ever.

"It is impossible to answer this question. The Ajax of (Johan) Cruyff, (Arrigo) Sacchi's Milan, the Real Madrid of (Alfredo) Di Stefano and Santos of Pele were all great," he said.

"If in 10 years people say one time I saw Barcelona and they played well then we are glad, but to say we are the best team ever is impossible. It is not true.

"You need time to go by for people to judge you. It's like films, only with the passage of time do you know it is a good film."

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