Guardiola: "Messi best player I will see in my life"

Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola shared his thoughts after the European super cup game against Shakhtar Donetsk at a press conference:

"It's a great evening, this is the second time I've won this trophy. I'm very lucky to have been chosen to coach these great players. They've worked very hard and made sacrifices and it's all worked out.

We haven't lost the essence of our side, it's been physically tough but it all came right in the end. In April or May you're on a roll. Right now we're still at an early stage of the season. Suddenly it's August and you're contesting trophies. That's why it's hard to win this competition. We've managed to bring two Super Cups home already and that's not bad at all.

I don't create players, I try to advise and support them. Pedro scored the winner but it's a team game. We always maintain an excellent standard and I'd like to congratulate those who have helped Pedro to improve his game. Lucescu wanted a penalty? Well, we also should have had one on Messi, so that makes it one all.

I am honoured to have won the same number of trophies as the legendary team of Kubala in the fifties. In the end it was Leo who took the weight of the team on his shoulders. It's a different player, special, unique. He is by far the best player I have seen and will see in my life. Barça is lucky to have him at the club. He's a key part of the team.

The playing conditions were very bad. The heat, the humidity and playing on turf that has no adjective to describe it. Let's see if we can recover. If we would have lost I wouldn't have said this but the surface was a disgrace. The pitch was a real shame because we risked serious injuries. UEFA have to watch it and cannot consent to that in future.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is improving every day, he's getting better and better. It's a new team for him and it will take time but he can combine different styles of play and he'll find his own place in the team. He's such a good player that he will fit into our game. It's no problem since his mind is open. There's many things that need time but the squad will help him adapt as soon as possible. He needs time, training and games but step by step he's going to do well for us."

Read more:
European Super Cup: Barcelona-Shakhtar 1-0 (aet)