Pep Guardiola: It’s Barca’s success, not mine

Pep Guardiola has emphasised his belief that the recent success Barcelona have enjoyed is down to the club rather than his coaching.

The 39-year-old coach led his side to every possible trophy during 2009 and his side currently sit top of the Primera Liga, five points clear of rivals Real Madrid.

Speaking to the media ahead of Barca’s trip to Valladolid on Saturday night, he said: “Barca is what makes me good and not vice-versa. I can never give back to this institution what it has given me.”

Guardiola, who signed a one-year contract extension at the Camp Nou earlier this week, went on to praise the relationship he has with club President Joan Laporta.

“We’re not close friends but our relationship is excellent,” he continued.

“He has given me the opportunity to coach this team and has given me everything I asked for and left me to work with absolute freedom.

“It is an honour and a pleasure to be here and I will be forever grateful to the president, to the board and the sporting director for trusting me.”

The Spaniard has overseen his side complete half of the season without losing a league game, however he was quick to play down the significance of the achievement.

“Ending the first half of the season undefeated does not give you any title.”