Guardiola: We Are A Better Team Than Last Year

Guardiola has hit back at the side's critics after the Blaugrana drew their last two games.

Pep Guardiola, Barcelona (Getty Images)
After seeing his side draw with Osasuna and Rubin Kazan in the last week, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has laughed off suggestions that the Spanish and European champions are weaker than last year.

"In many ways, we are a better team than last year," Guardiola declared to Sport.

"We're also in danger of not qualifying for the knockout round [in the Champions League], right?" the coach laughed.

"If we are out after the two remaining games, it's our fault. But if we overcome that, I'm convinced it will make us stronger."

The Blaugrana have also only scored three times in their last four away matches, two of which came against Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey. Guardiola, however, is not concerned about the lack of goals.

"They will come. What's important is creating chances."

The young trainer added that he was "very happy" with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's contribution to the team, while he dismissed the notion that there were any problems between him and Lionel Messi.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

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