Chelsea not playing for revenge, says Guardiola

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has dismissed the suggestion that Chelsea will be out for revenge ahead of their Champions League semi-final.

An injury-time equaliser from Andres Iniesta denied the Blues a place in the 2009 tournament decider on the away goals rule, but the Catalans’ coach does not feel that Roberto Di Matteo’s men will be using that experience as an extra source of motivation in Wednesday’s first-leg clash at Stamford Bridge.

“I do not think Chelsea are playing for revenge, but to be in the final,” Guardiola said. “What you have lost in football, is lost.

“Chelsea have spirit and the same core team from 2009 and this generation of footballers (that they have) is unique. It’s admirable.

“And it will be more complicated this time around. We’re the reigning champions now and a good team want to beat us. In addition, few teams can execute counterattacks (like Chelsea).”

Guardiola also insisted there was no chance of his players being distracted from the task at hand, even though the hype is already building back in Spain ahead of this weekend’s crucial Clasico clash with La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

“We’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe (in Chelsea) and we have to focus on this match,” he said. “After tomorrow, we can think about Saturday.”