Pep Guardiola praises Barca efforts after La Liga triumph

Pep Guardiola described his Barcelona side as “exemplary” after they sealed the La Liga title on the last day of the season yesterday.

The Catalans ensured the title would remain at the Camp Nou following a 4-0 win over Valladolid and League rivals Real Madrid only managed a 1-1 draw at Malaga.

Speaking after yesterday’s victory the Barca coach was quick to heap praise on his players. “They have been exemplary and I couldn’t have asked for more,” said Guardiola. “Their effort and work has been outstanding.”

“Having got a point at Espanyol, that was when I thought we had done it, but we knew that we had to win all of our remaining games,” he added.

The 39-year-old went on to credit the efforts of Real Madrid, who finished three points behind the Catalans. “I [also] have to congratulate the coach and players of Real Madrid for an extraordinary campaign. Without them we would have not been able to get 99 points, they have pushed us all the way. They have dignified their profession and their club.”

Guardiola also described Lionel Messi, who scored 47 goals in 53 appearances this season, as the best he has ever seen. “Messi is the best I have ever seen, of this there is no doubt,” Guardiola said.

“As well as being a winner he has great ambition. At 3-0 up, with the league in the bag, he continued chasing as hard as anyone else. He’s impossible to emulate.