Guardiola boasts of Barca depth

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has lauded the depth of his squad, claiming his fringe players could make the starting 11 at any other club.

Guardiola was speaking ahead of the Catalans’ away fixture at Mallorca on Saturday.

“We have the obligation to win the game, whoever we play with. The players here could start in any other team, because of how hard they work and what I see every day.”

Guardiola also paid homage to his side’s professionalism and character, particularly the congenial manner in which they conduct themselves.

“The impression that I get when I travel around Spain is that many people are fond of us. There are a lot of fans of the home team, and also Barcelona fans – more than ever,” he said.

“There is a lot of responsibility for the club’s image, down to how these players have behaved, especially in defeat and victory. We will try to keep showing this in our behaviour as sportsmen.”

Barcelona lead the La Liga standings by five points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid.