17.12.2010 14:34

Guardiola relishing Espanyol and Arsenal games

David Puig

Pep Guardiola is relishing the prospect of playing Espanyol this weekend and also the challenge that lies ahead in Europe after FC Barcelona were paired with Arsenal in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

The Blaugrana boss would have expected the derby this weekend and the tie with the Gunners to be the focus of his press conference on Friday and so it proved as he stated: "They will be two great games for the fans."

Blanc i Blau compliments

Looking ahead to the local derby against Espanyol first Guardiola is a fan of the Blanc i Blau and coach Mauricio Pochettino. "It will be a great game," he reiterated. "Espanyol are going well and are playing good football. They do not only apply pressure, but they also can play the ball out from the back and have creative midfielders like Verdú and Callejón. They play with great intensity and they know how to play well."

Espanyol encounter

Pochettino's hard work at Cornellà-El Prat has been noticed by the Barça coach too. "There is a lot of work behind the team," he continued. "That is why they are fourth in the table. Pochettino has created a good dynamic and the players have adapted to the ideas and to what he has wanted since taking over there. I have learnt a lot watching them. We will have to play with precision and speed to counteract their play and to win the game."

Arsenal tie

The derby may have been 24 hours away, but Guardiola was asked to look two months ahead to the Champions League tie against Arsenal. "They are a classic team in the Champions League and the Premier League," he said. "We expect a repeat of the two great games from last season against a side that, like Barça, attack and defend with the ball."

Guardiola admitted that he has not seen much of Arsenal this term, but knows about Arséne Wenger's team's philosophy. "They have no player that plays badly," he commented. "They are a daring team and have had a definite style for many years. Samir Nasri is in great form and it is a pity that Cesc (Fàbregas) has not been playing much because of injuries, but I am sure he will be back for this tie. Anyway, we will have to see what kind of form both teams are in when the tie comes around. Now is not important."