Andres Iniesta has mused on the ‘incomparable feeling’ of having Pep Guardiola as Barcelona Coach, as well as Victor Valdes’ capacity to replace Iker Casillas.
Iniesta worked for four years with the Catalans under Guardiola, during a period when the club won 14 titles.
For the midfield-playmaker, the chance to work with the 42-year-old was ‘incomparable’.
“My childhood hero was Guardiola,” Iniesta has told Mesto Vstrechy this week.
“I watched his games on TV and dreamed I could play like him. What surprised me most was his clarity in constructing play.
“He and [Michael] Laudrup were the most important players in my childhood. So when Guardiola became my Coach, it was an incomparable feeling.
“That aside, he has gotten me to the level I'm at now.”
Iniesta also reflected on Iker Casillas’ continued struggles for first-team football over the last 12 months with Real Madrid, and whether it has put his place with Spain in doubt.
“He is our symbol, the best goalkeeper in the world, but there are players in the national team that are amply prepared to take his place, such as Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina. It seems that Victor’s time has come, although it is a decision for the Coach.”
