'In Barca I was a lucky guy': Guardiola talks winning Champions League with Messi, Iniesta 

FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2010
FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2010

What's the story?

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has responded to those who criticised him for his inability to win the Champions League title without elite players like Lionel Messi and Xavi Iniesta on his squad.

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Guardiola enjoyed a memorable stint at Camp Nou, winning Europe's elite competition twice in three years but failed to replicate the same feat with former club Bayern Munich and current side Manchester City. In fact, the former Blaugrana boss has not reached a Champions League final since defeating Manchester United at Wembley in 2011.

Critics were quick to say that the Spaniard's successes at Barcelona were because he had players like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi at his disposal.

The heart of the matter

Guardiola has now responded to the critics in a press conference ahead of City's Champions League clash with Schalke. When asked about the criticism, the City boss replied (via The Standard), "I would agree with them. When I was there I said that I had incredible players. "

"I did in Munich and do in Manchester. But in Barca I was a lucky guy and I agree with them."

The Spaniard, however, added that his current side is now better prepared to fight for the Champions League title. This season marks City's third year in the race for the European trophy under Guardiola.

"The first season was a big fail. I believe the team can do better things than the first season.

"We know each other much better. But this competition is special. The teams are good."

"You have to control your emotions. You have to suffer and survive the bad moments. But we are confident."

We have many dreams in our head. It’s important to score goals - the minimum one goal. You can’t go through if you are not yourself. If you don’t do your best performance."

"If you want to dream, go through to the last stages, every single second you have to be incredible: impose your game."

"To be ourselves, that is what I want to feel."

What's next?

City will hope that they do not replicate their Round of 16 exit in 2016 as they walk into the first leg of the fixture against Schalke later tonight.

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Edited by Rahul Arun