Zola: Barcelona are ´fantastic´

Gianfranco Zola is anticipating a tight contest next Saturday when Manchester United play Barcelona in the Champions League final.

The former Italy and Chelsea wizard said his first impression of the fixture, to be played at London’s Wembley Stadium, was that Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side would emerge comfortable victors.

But as the contest draws nearer, 44-year-old Zola is predicting a tight affair.

“I think I believed that Barcelona would win the game easily but I saw Manchester United play recently and I must say that they are in really good form,” Zola said.

“So I don’t know, I think it will be very tight. Maybe Manchester can win.”

But Zola said he is continually in awe of Barcelona, who he believes are destined to go down as one of the greatest teams in history.

“Barcelona is a fantastic team and I’m not even surprised by them anymore,” Zola said.

“It’s just amazing what they are doing. Every time I see them play they seem to be getting better which is amazing. I really think they are very close (to being the best team ever).”

“I have seen other teams play fantastically well, like Brazil in 1990/1992 or Argentina and other teams who play very well, but this team is really amazing.”