Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola feels that stopping Lionel Messi in his current form is virtually impossible.
The former Barcelona Coach, who was attending his first Press conference at the Camp Nou as a member of the opposition ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg, was asked if he had any special plans to deal with Messi.
“If he plays like he’s been playing recently there’s no defence in the world that can stop him – not even with nine men at the back,” remarked Guardiola.
“There’s no team, system or Coach who can stop Messi because you can’t defend against that kind of talent.
“All you can do is try to limit him and close down the channels where he can receive the ball. Even then you won’t completely halt him.”
Guardiola admitted it was good to be back at his old club but maintained he is not distracted from the job at hand on his return.
“It’s brilliant to be back and I’ve got many good memories from here. I spent four years sat in this seat and of course it brings back memories.
“But there’s a first time for everything and my job is to get Bayern into the final, so I’ll be doing the best I can to make that happen. I’m not here to be praised.
“We are in the semi-finals of this competition with Europe’s other top sides and it’s not going to be easy, as it wasn’t against Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk, but I’m happy to be in with a chance of getting to Berlin,” he conceded.
