11.01.2011 21:29

Guardiola: “We will reconnect well”

Jordi Clos

Pep Guardiola does not believe that the euphoria surrounding Barça's domination of the Ballon d'Or award will affect his team's form as they prepare for the visit of Real Betis in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening.

The Blaugrana boss was delighted that Lionel Messi won the gong in Zurich earlier in the week, but wants the focus to now turn back to playing. "The way that the players react will prove that we have accepted it well," he explained. "They have shown on many occasions that they have the capability to reconnect as they are very competitive and they have great respect for each other and the club."

Memorable evening

Guardiola was pipped to the coach of the year award, but still enjoyed the evening in Switzerland at the FIFA event. "It was a fantastic gala in every sense as they organised things very well," he continued. "I was delighted to have been there and to be able to share a moment like that with so many people from the club. It was impressive."

Messi was joined by Xavi and Andrés Iniesta in the final three for the FIFA Ballon d'Or award and Guardiola was pleased. "Everyone saw the three of them," he stated. "It is great and almost unrepeatable. It is pleasing that this represents a success to the whole of Spanish football. Messi has not taken anything away from us, he has in fact given us something."

Same level

On Messi's triumph for the second consecutive year he added: "This year a lot of people voted, more than 400, and that means there is nothing to say. Leo came out on top but it could have been Iniesta or Xavi. The three of them are at the same level and the best in the world. You cannot go against the votes of 400 people whatever theories or thoughts are out there. All three wanted to win and want to be the best, but they accepted that so many people voted and Messi won."

Messi's win does not signify a defeat for the Spanish national team though in their World Cup winning year. "They are world champions and were represented with six players in the best XI," he explained. "That is a better prize than nothing."

Betis test

The focus at Camp Nou turns to the visit of Real Betis in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening and Guardiola believes it will not be an easy first leg. "They are top of the la Segunda, top goalscorer too and have the least defeats," he said. "They also know how to play." On the cup this season Guardiola is aware it is not simple. "Apart from the ties against Cultural and Ceuta no knockout has been easy. The cup is very special and this will be no exception."