Pep Guardiola, current Manchester City manager, did not hide his emotion and pride for the playing style displayed by FC Barcelona during their thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter Milan at Montjuïc. Ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League match against Wolverhampton (Matchday 35), the Catalan coach shared his admiration for the Champions League semi-final, while also praising the intensity of the Arsenal vs. PSG clash.

“I was surprised by how good the match was,” said Guardiola about Barcelona vs. Inter. “Thanks to matches like that, stadiums will always be full, and our industry can continue to grow.” The manager, who won two Champions League titles with Barça (2009 and 2011) and one with City (2023), saw both semifinals as outstanding, but highlighted the performance of Xavi Hernández’s team.

“If you play like Barcelona, stadiums will never be empty, and we can live off this industry for a long time. Those of us who love Barça are very proud, regardless of the result,” said Guardiola, showing his emotional connection to the club that shaped his career and expressing his support for its current project.

Praise for Inter and Simone Inzaghi

Despite his affectionate words toward the Catalan club, Guardiola also praised the Italian side and their coach, Simone Inzaghi. “Inter showed once again that they want the Champions League,” he said of the team City narrowly beat in the 2023 final in Istanbul. “Simone is an amazing coach,” he added, acknowledging Inter’s continued rise in European competition.

For the Spanish tactician, all four semifinalists in this edition of the Champions League—Barcelona, Inter, Arsenal, and PSG—have proven they deserve to be among the continent’s elite. “They are all fantastic teams and fully deserve to be there,” he concluded.

Once again, Pep Guardiola made it clear that his heart remains tied to FC Barcelona, and that his view as a football lover continues to value the essence of a style that once defined an era.