Guardiola pays Mourinho tribute

Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola says that his Real Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho could well be the best coach in world football.

Guardiola, 40, took charge of Barca’s senior squad in 2008 and has already guided the team to 12 titles in all competitions, making him the most successful coach in the history of the club.

Guardiola lifted the European Cup and six La Liga titles during a glittering playing career with Barca between 1990 and 2001.

But contrary to his own professional development, he believes a top-class career as a player is not a prerequisite to success as a coach.

Guardiola cited the example of influential AC Milan tactician Arrigo Sacchi as well as his own rival Mourinho, neither of whom played at an elite level.

“It is not necessary to have played football to become a great coach,” Guardiola told AS.

“Arrigo Sacchi changed this sport without having played and Jose Mourinho is probably the best coach in the world.”

“Having been in a dressing room gives you advantages in certain situations, but not having been in one also gives you other advantages.”

“This is life, as a player I did not have any physical aptitude that stood out, but I survived, I strengthened other aptitudes.”

Guardiola is on record as saying he does not plan to stay in the Barca job on a long-term basis, and has repeatedly declined offers to extend his contract beyond a rolling one-year deal.

While it is unlikely to be what the club’s fans and hierarchy want to hear, the former Spain international again made reference to a time when he may walk away from the Camp Nou.

“When I was a player, I realised I was in a moment in which I could not give any more of myself,” he said.

“A moment in which I was tired and I know that as a coach it will be the same.”

“I know the day will come in which I will get tired and I will quit.”

“I hope that day will come, because normally coaches get sacked before they can choose to leave because they are losing.”

“Right now, I can choose, but I know that things will not always be like this. Coaches who lose are sacked.”