Bielsa accepts blame for Copa loss

26 May 2012 08:36

Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa took full responsibility for his side's 3-0 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Friday.

Bilbao conceded all three goals in the opening 25 minutes of the match at the Vicente Calderon, with Pedro making an early breakthrough for Barcelona, before netting again after Lionel Messi had racked up his 73rd goal of the season.

Bielsa, who is out of contract this summer, has been widely praised for his work with Athletic this season but he felt that he had got his tactics wrong on the night.

"I accept that the approach we presented was not successful," said the Argentine, adding that his future with the club will be resolved 'one way or another' next week.

"I realise that. I'm the decision-maker. I represent and am responsible for a team that today did not carry through the plan I had established.

"Now we will evaluate the continuity of the coaching staff with a meeting between all parties concerned. I suppose in the course of next week the subject of my continuity must be decided in one way or another."

Many Athletic players had been reduced to tears by their 3-0 defeat in the final of the Europa League by Atletico Madrid and Bielsa admitted that they were hurting again after the loss to Barca.

"I saw a lot of pain on the players' faces after the game," the former Chile boss confessed. "We have a very young team.

"But we can now go one of two ways: we can use the experience because there is room for growth; or admit that there was an inability to cope with the high demands placed upon us this year."

The 56-year-old Bielsa arrived at San Mames at the beginning of the 2011-12 campaign.

Copa del Rey: Barcelona 3 Athletic Bilbao 0

26 May 2012 04:54

Barcelona gave outgoing coach Pep Guardiola a fitting send-off with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey on Friday.

Two goals from Pedro Rodriguez and one from Lionel Messi in the match at Estadio Vicente Calderon sealed a record 26th Copa del Rey title for Barca.

It was the 14th major trophy of Guardiola's extraordinary four-year spell in charge of the Catalan side.

In a re-match of the 2009 final between the two clubs, Barca began at a breathtaking tempo and earned the lead as early as the third minute in Madrid.

Messi gave Athletic an early warning when he shot narrowly wide after running at the opposition defence.

Adriano then crossed for Pedro, whose shot was deflected behind for a corner. Pedro reacted first from the subsequent corner, tucking the ball home to open the scoring.

Messi nearly made it 2-0 soon after, cutting in from the right before bending a goal-bound effort toward the top corner. But for goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz's flying save, Marcelo Bielsa's side would have fallen further behind.

In the 20th minute, Iraizoz proved unable to keep out the Argentina international.

Messi latched onto Andres Iniesta's perfectly weighted through-ball, gathering the delivery and lifting the ball into the roof of the net.

Barca made it 3-0 five minutes later, when Pedro curled a precise finish into the far corner, following a delicate lay off from Xavi Hernadez.

Athletic did go close to pulling a goal back before the half-time break, with Markel Susaeta forcing Barca goalkeeper Jose Pinto into a smart save.

Spain international Fernando Llorente also had a penalty appeal waved away after he was brought down inside the Barca box.

At the other end, Messi could have extended his team's advantage, narrowly failing to beat Iraizoz with an attempted lob.

The introduction of substitutes Inigo Perez and Ander Herrera at half-time saw Athletic earn a greater share of possession in the second 45 minutes.

And they enjoyed the first real chance of the half through Ibai Gomez, who narrowly missed the far post after trying a lob of his own from just outside the area.

As the half wore on, Messi was denied a second goal by the outstretched boot of Iraizoz following a dazzling, trademark run through the Athletic defence.

With the match over as a contest and time running out, Jon Aurtenetxe summed up a disappointing night for the Basque underdogs when he headed wide from close range.

It was left for Xavi to lift the trophy in the absence of injured captain Carles Puyol, as Guardiola bowed out after guiding the club to three La Liga titles, two Champions League victories and a host of other triumphs since his appointment in 2008.

Guardiola's assistant, Tito Vilanova, will take over first-team duties next season, charged with wresting the championship crown away from Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid.

Athletic meanwhile face a challenge to retain the services of Bielsa, and must also ward off interest from Europe's top clubs in the likes of Llorente and Iker Muniain.

Guardiola bows out praising Messi

26 May 2012 02:55

Outgoing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says Lionel Messi is likely to be the best player he will ever see.

Argentina international Messi netted his 73rd goal of the season during Barca's 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey on Friday.

The victory at Estadio Vicente Calderon meant a winning send-off for Guardiola in what was the record-breaking coach's final match in charge.

Guardiola, 41, has led Barca to 14 major honours in just four seasons at Camp Nou and paid special tribute to the contribution of superstar Messi.

"It has been an honour to be the coach of the best player I have ever seen and probably the best I will see," Guardiola said.

"Messi taught me to be even more competitive. We would have won trophies without him, but not 14 from 19."

After managing three successive Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs in Guardiola's first three seasons, Barca missed out on league and European success this season.

But far from deeming the campaign a failure, the departing coach hailed 2011/12 as Barca's best season yet, and predicted great things for the team under his successor Tito Vilanova.

"Football-wise, this has been the best season," he said.

"We introduced new concepts. And next season, we'll be even better."

Guardiola's Barca have been widely regarded as one of the best teams of all time, but the ever-humble tactician characteristically sought to play down his role in the club's achievements.

"I didn't invent anything," he said.

"I'm just part of a process that started before me and will continue after me."

"And the best team in history? (It) would be pretentious to call us that. Those are big words."

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola appeared to leave the door open for a return to coaching as early as next season.

It remains to be seen where Guardiola's next job will be, but after the match he reiterated his desire to take a break from the pressure of elite management.

"I'm tired - that's why I'll stop for a while now," he said.

"But I am very satisfied with the 14 trophies, and how we won them."

Guardiola succeeded Frank Rijkaard as Barca coach in 2008, after spending a successful season in charge of the club's B team.

Guardiola backs Tito

25 May 2012 03:09

Outgoing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has given his backing to his successor, Tito Vilanova.

And Guardiola joked that there is no chance that he will have to return to Camp Nou in six months.

When the former Spain international announced last month that he would stepping down at the end of the season, it was initially thought that Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa would replace him.

However, Barca instead turned to current assistant coach Vilanova, and Guardiola believes that the club have made a shrewd choice.

"Tito will do well," the 41-year-old told reporters at a press conference on Thursday.

"I won't have to go back in six months or anything.

"In November I had dinner with (sporting director Andoni) Zubizarreta and was asked if I thought Tito was someone who could lead the team.

"I told him that I believe he would offer everything I would want from a coach of Barcelona. Tito has helped me to be the coach that I am now over the past five years."

Guardiola was speaking on the eve of his final game in charge of Barca, the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderon.

The Basques still appear to be coming to terms with their demoralising 3-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the final of the Europa League, a result which reduced several players to tears, but Guardiola expects Bielsa's side to be back at their brilliant best on Friday.

"Athletic are a team that always create chances; they don't get down," he said.

"This is a final we're going to have to endure right until the end.

"Both teams will play to attack and I expect the best team to win. Their players have guts and they will show that in the game.

"When they cried as (Iker) Muniain and Toquero did in the (Europa League final), it was because the loss affected them.

"With two weeks of rest, I believe we'll meet the rival that we saw in their games against Manchester United."

Bilbao aim to unsettle Barca

24 May 2012 14:24

Athletic Bilbao attacker Iker Muniain is brimming with confidence ahead of Friday's Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.

The 19-year-old insists his team have moved on from their Europa League final loss to Atletico Madrid earlier this month.

Muniain said they were focused on chasing domestic cup glory, and he believes disrupting Barcelona's style of play by making them chase the ball is the best approach.

"We have recovered from the blow of losing the Europa League final. We're very motivated, ambitious and hungry for victory," Muniain said.

"Barcelona want constant possession and play a lot of passes. The only solution is to take the ball away from them and make them run after it. Easy, no?

"Nobody can deny that Dani Alves is an important loss for Barcelona. Personally, I'm relieved not to have to face him."

Thiago eyes Copa delight

24 May 2012 12:32

Thiago Alcantara is eagerly anticipating Barcelona's Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao and is determined to come out victorious on Friday.

The youngster feels that Barcelona have shown over the years that they always perform when it matters most and is keen to win yet another trophy with the Catalans.

"We have shown that we are a winning team who are always competitive on big days. We'll play our best game and try to win another trophy," Thiago told Sport.

Thiago conceded that Athletic will provide a stern challenge and he singled out Iker Muniain as a key threat.

"Athletic are a very young team who have achieved things people never imagined they could a while ago. They have had a fantastic season.

"I love to watch Muniain play. Few players can surprise me like he does. And he's a great guy, always smiling, he makes your day."

Pedro grateful for Guardiola guidance

23 May 2012 13:55

Barcelona attacker Pedro has hailed Pep Guardiola for the role the coach played in the youngster's progress in recent years.

The 24-year-old forward came through the ranks of the Catalans' youth academy and developed into an important first-team player during Guardiola's four-year spell in charge of Barca.

Although Pedro struggled to secure regular playing time in the 2011/12 campaign, he has not forgotten Guardiola's role in his breakthrough, as well as in Barca's success.

"Pep has given his all for the team. He has changed my life," Pedro was quoted as saying by El Pais.

"These have been very long years with a lot of games. It has been very tiresome. He needs the rest and deserves it."

Guardiola will be replaced by Tito Vilanova at the helm from July onwards, and Pedro is confident that the current assistant coach will succeed when he takes the step up.

"His appointment surprised me, but I'm quite pleased with it. He knows the values of this club. I am confident that he will continue to work with the same philosophy."

Barcelona are currently preparing for the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on Friday.

Fabregas hails outgoing Guardiola

23 May 2012 01:49

Cesc Fabregas says Pep Guardiola will go down as the greatest coach in the history of Barcelona.

Guardiola has already announced he will step down after four years at the helm of the club, and will be looking to win his 14th title since taking charge of the club in Friday's Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

Barca have had a disappointing campaign compared to their prevous high standards, failing to retain their La Liga and Champions League titles, but Fabregas is adamant the team can still end the season on a high for their outgoing coach.

"If there is something extra about this final, it is the possibility of winning the title for our coach, the possibility of him winning yet another title and leaving with his head held high," Fabregas told reporters on Tuesday.

"He will do that anyway because he is the best coach this club have ever had, without a doubt. It is not something we have spoken about as a group but we all know we want to dedicate it to him."

Barcelona have already confirmed Guardiola's assistant, Tito Vilanova, will take the reins ahead of the 2012/13 campaign.

Fabregas ready for final showdown

22 May 2012 14:46

Cesc Fabregas has warned Athletic Bilbao that Barcelona are ready to perform at their best in Friday's Copa del Rey final.

Barca have not played since the 2-2 La Liga draw against Betis on May 12, but Fabregas is confident his side will be physically and mentally prepared, although he expects a difficult encounter.

"We're prepared and ready for the final. It’s not normal to wait so long to play a final but our eagerness and excitement to play has helped us overcome the wait," Fabregas said..

"I'm sure they are not any more motivated than we are. Our hunger for victory and our excitement hasn't run out.

"We're going to play against a spectacular team that we admire.

"They have hope, they're eager and they always go forward.

"They remind me of some English teams, with very direct football but they also utilise their passing game."

Fabregas said he wanted to send coach Pep Guardiola out on a high.

"If there is something extra in this final it is the possibility of winning the title for our coach, the possibility of him leaving with yet another title and with his head up high," Fabregas said.

"He will do that anyway because he is the best coach this club has had without doubt. It is not something we have talked about as a group, but we all know we want to dedicate it to him."

Susaeta backs Athletic to recover

20 May 2012 16:28

Markel Susaeta believes Athletico Bilbao's 3-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final will prove to be a valuable experience.

Two goals from Radamel Falcao and Diego's effort were enough for Atletico to see off their Basque opponents in the final at the Arena Nationali, Bucharest, on May 9.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on silverware, Susaeta is confident Athletic will regroup to concentrate on their Copa de Rey final against Barcelona.

"We took a lot of experience (from losing the Europa League final) and that will help us in the future," Susaeta told AS.

"We started badly in the league and if we did not doubt ourselves back then, there is no place for doubt now. The team is 100 percent confident, and we have a final coming."

Barca will be without defenders Dani Alves, Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal for their showdown with Athletic on Friday, but Susaeta feels Pep Guardiola's team are equipped to cope with the absentees.

"There are a lot of gaps, but (Martin) Montoya, (Gerard) Pique, (Javier) Mascherano and Adriano form a world-class defence," he said.

"If we have played well all year and we got here, we must maintain this level. This is another type of game, Atletico is different from Barcelona."

The final will take place at Atletico Madrid's Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Xavi: Barca have cover in defence

18 May 2012 18:55

Xavi Hernandez believes Barcelona have what it takes to overcome defensive absentees in their Copa de Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

Barca will be without fullbacks Eric Abidal and Dani Alves for the match at Estadio Vicente Calderon, while club captain and centre-back Carles Puyol is also missing.

Argentina international Javier Mascherano, who joined the club in 2010 as a midfielder, is likely to find himself filling in again at the back, while youth team graduate Martin Montoya is another fringe player who may be called upon.

"We are missing important players," Xavi said.

"Puyol's injury is important, Abidal we all know, and also Dani's.

"We are very sensitive (vulnerable) now that we don't have our regulars in defence. But the rest are prepared to take part.

"Adriano is playing very well, Martin Montoya is playing at a very high level, and Mascherano and Pique have been taking part too. Let's see what defence the coach chooses but these guys are ready to compete."

Barca have surrendered their La Liga crown to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid and surprisingly exited the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea in the semi-finals.

Friday's clash with Athletic is their last chance to given outgoing coach Pep Guardiola a winning send-off before he is replaced by assistant Tito Vilanova.

Barcelona must win Copa del Rey, says Busquets

16 May 2012 10:32

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has called on his side to win the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

After failing to win La Liga and the Champions League, the Catalan giants turn their attention to the cup final on May 25 in what will be Pep Guardiola's last match on the club's bench.

"We won our first final under Guardiola against Athletic, and he will leave with this exact same match, collecting many titles and installing a new philosophy," Busquets said.

"This has been one of the best periods in the history of the club and the stint of a very special coach is coming to an end. He is the best there is."

When asked about the managerial change at Camp Nou after the season, Busquets played down the fact that the club will lose one of the most successful coaches in their history.

"We have a young team, with a lot of ambition," he said. "We have experienced this situation throughout the season.

"We have to prepare for a final, the coach will leave and we must keep working, whether or not this coach is around, whether or not Tito Vilanova is around. We have to win."

Falling 13 days after Barcelona's last La Liga game against Betis, Busquets is unhappy with the date chosen for the clash by the Spanish Federation.

"We would have liked to play the match at an earlier date so that some of us could go on holiday, others could join their teams for Euro 2012 and others to prepare for their teams' World Cup qualifiers," he said.

"Two weeks are a lot and we have to think positively to prepare for this match the best possible way.

"The federation did it thinking about a potential Champions League final between Spanish clubs."