Guardiola praises Deportivo stability

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has praised rival club Deportivo La Coruna as one of the most stable clubs in La Liga.

Guardiola’s league-leading side travels to the Estadio Municipal de Riazor on Sunday, and the Spanish manager had the utmost respect when speaking of the club that sits 25 points behind them on the league table.

“I think that Depor(tivo) are an exemplary club, in that their president puts up with a lot from his managers,” Guardiola.

“They are maybe the club who have the most confidence and stability to their managers.”

“I think that the players sense this, knowing that they will start and finish the year with the same coach. It is the second or third year with him, so they know his way of playing very well.”

“I think that they are one of the teams with the most games played in the first division together, so they have seen it all. In the end, they are where they deserve to be.”

The Ballon D’Or winner will be announced 24 hours after their league affair, and

Guardiola also admitted he will be relieved when the Ballon d’Or winner has been revealed, with three of his players – Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi – in the running for the honour which wil be awarded o Monday.

“I really want Monday to be over with. I want the three to be happy on Tuesday, for the fact that they were nominated. We’ve been on this subject for two months, and I want it over with. It’s very important. It is huge news for us, three players who have grown up here,” Guardiola said.

“They are very important for the club, and very good players. All around the world, people will see these three players, and they play in Barcelona. So it’s fantastic for us.”