The Barcelona team that Pep Guardiola coached between 2008 and 2012 is widely considered the best club side of the modern era.
They were extraordinarily entertaining and, most importantly, won a host of major honours along the way.
In just four seasons, Guardiola's Barça secured three league titles, two Copas del Rey, three Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups and two Champions Leagues.
Guardiola could have stayed for longer but the demands of the job eventually took their toll and he left in the summer of 2012, to the bitter disappointment of everybody associated with the club.
It was the end of an era - an era which we may never see the like of again.
Guardiola will be the first to admit that he was so successful at the Camp Nou thanks to the players he had at his disposal.
He was blessed with the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Samuel Eto'o and, of course, Lionel Messi all in the same squad.
But the Catalan coach still deserves immense credit for the way that he got them all playing together during his four years in charge.
Eto'o only lasted one season under Guardiola but scored 36 goals in 52 games that campaign, including the opener in the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United.
The Cameroonian striker has come out and given an eye-opening interview, in which he claims he deserves credit for Guardiola's success during the 2008-09 campaign - and not Messi.
Messi netted 38 in 51 games during Guardiola's first season - including the second of Barça's two goals in their 2-0 win over United in Rome - and went on to claim his first Ballon d'Or award.
But in an incredible interview with beIN Sports, Eto'o has said that it was him - not Messi - who inspired Barça to glory that season.
He also says Guardiola 'didn't understand the squad' during their time working together and revealed how the current Manchester City boss went on to ask him for forgiveness.
“Pep Guardiola has lived his whole life in Barcelona, but in the years I spent there he didn't understand the squad. He didn't live the life of our group,” Eto'o said.
“I said to Guardiola: 'you'll apologise to me because it's me that will make Barcelona win - not Lionel Messi'.
“It was the situation back then. Messi would come later.
“You can ask Xavi, Andres Iniesta and all the others - that was my era. It was me that made Barcelona win and Guardiola would ask me for forgiveness.”
Remarkable stuff from the 38-year-old, who currently plies his trade for Qatar SC.
It sounds fanciful but he clearly believes what he's saying is true.
There's no denying that Eto'o was brilliant during his one season with Guardiola, but it seems that he's bitter towards his former boss and Messi for the credit they've both received for the team's success since then.
saodeikru
402
Eto'o is right. He made Barcelona win 2006 and 2009 trophies. Just like Sergio Ramos help Madrid to win 2014 and 2016 UCL trophy!!! This is not about being the highest goal scorer. This is about being the best in the final. Bale and Benzema may say that they are responsible for 2018 UCL trophy Eder is different tho!!!! He actually won Euro 2016 final for Portugal when the star man was handicapped by injury!!! It makes a whole team to win a trophy tho!!!
Kupdlnpz
293
another version of pele!
Rohcdiopsy
266
Samuel Èto Fils will forever remain a legend of Barcelona and Cameroon, he was a prolific and phenomenal player who contributed a lot to Barcelona success however, the truth should not be brushed aside and assume he was the only supreme contributor to Barcelona success. It was a talented team Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Pique, Messi and many more others who made it to the first team. Guardiola deserves maximum credit for harnessing all these talents towards one goal without too much frictions and of course personal egos. Football has never been a one man game otherwise his current club will have swept every trophy before them. Let the writer of this misleading article clarify or if possible Èto himself, what was purported to have been said by the player is totally ridiculous if it is in any way true.
nowacdemns
250
cules!! stop giving hate to the legend. you guys are clearly misunderstanding him. he has himself many times stated that messi is the best. here he is criticizing guardiola who never placed trust in him despite great performances right from the start of the season. and he is also right in pointing out that he won many matches for barcelona at the start of the season. those who watched barca that season would remember that we had a terrible start to the season. eto was the one to bail us out at that time. and nobody must forget that he scored the first goal in the 2006 and the 2009 ucl finals for barca. he is a club legend so at least make an effort to understand his opinion.
lloydisaiahbankx
240
Why didn't your career flourish through out like Messi is right now Some talks are cheep That's a fake claim
Bubaeitu
224
Eto'o is Superb and messi was also fantastic @ that time. Both of them made it happen. Opening a goal in a bombarding way is amazing. Sealing a win with an intelligent header is awesome. Can't compare them @ that match. And my vote will be for Xavi hernandez who ruled the pitch.
brandonnjinuwo
183
Firstly football is a game of passion. Football has never been a self centered game and it will never be so even though most people nowadays considers it so. Football is made up of a 11 players of which each and every one of them have their on role to play. So when an individual says he deserves most of the credits, yeah sure at times its often so because we see that with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo but we shouldn't forget the part played by the others for I believe that if the other players didn't play their role well, the expected results wouldn't have been achieved. A player has the right to say what he has in mind but I'm not in support when an individual decides to take the credits and effort of the whole squad to himself. Yes Eto'o has been a great player winning countless trophies for club and country but he shouldn't say stuffs like that.
EAsoft
181
Gaurdiola on Messi " I wanted to make Messi the best player but he ended up making me the best coach"
Cosdekuy
168
He was a vital part of the squad but every man that thinks the team won because of him..is selfish and ignorant. Messi netted 38 in 51 games Eto netted 36 in 52 games
EmbraceStarboy
163
Eto'o might be right. But he was just a goal poacher and nothing more. Messi controls the game and also scores. Although you also deserved much more credit, it was Messi's year and that's why he won the balon do'r. But we the fans will always remember you as one of the best no9 in Barca history
piutech040
160
This ís same reason Neymar had to leave the club for them. Barcelona fans attribute others efforts to Messi
simplecreature
137
I agree that messi alone wasn't the reason for barca success because the squad was out of this world messi xavi iniesta busquets alvesh pique buyol and etoo but to come out and say you're the very reason for the success of barca and downplaying your teammate(messi) just to hype your self up that is a garbage attitude of a peasant even ronaldo wont say something like that etoo just lost my respect for him as a barca legend
Hutdlnory
114
He is so so...but history never hides of one's true triumph: let blow his own trumpet though!...But "In his prime, Eto'o was regarded by pundits as one of the best strikers in the world,[5] and he is regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time,[6] winning the African Player of the Year a record four times: in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010."-- Wikipedia. [Cheer]
Moomin17
83
Barcelona 2008-2012 was the Greatest side ever assembled I'm the history of football. There wasn't a certain individuals playing for himself all were playing for team.Now this is what makes me irritate. Football is a team game. Every player was important part in the way Guardiola tactics work.Saying one is important than other isn't a good individual. Respect to Eto but nah everyone deserve the credit not only u. And it isn't a news of recent it's back when Eto joined Chelsea Lmao media Aff.
TheOneAndOnlyJ
62
I think he probably should get more credit, but its not dair to say that Barcelona won because of him and NOT Messi. Messi scored as well in the finals if that’s what he is focusing on and stats shows that Messi did more do clearly he would het the highlight. If you want the top recognition, your performance and results have to be the best. Stats show that Messi did better than him and he his angry that hime did not get the same level of respect. He would of had an argument if he had scored more goals but he didnt so he just sounds like a bitter person. As if he had this in him a long time. Messi back them proved to the world that he was someone to look out for right through the match. Eto was a deadly striker. Messi contributed alot so did he. Stats showed Messi did more. What Eto needs to do is stay away from the Media before he turns into PELE And annoying MARADONA.
Uvaisali
56
Awards and recognitions are not taken from any one and it is given by majority. Messi not claimed he is best or something like that himself. But somebody like CR7,ibro,now ettoo making themselves greatness
DGGaulle
46
Hhahaha some of u dude know nothing about what Etoo is saying. Etoo has hated by pep. Pep never wanted to play him but he couldn't resist the fact Etoo was good and Etoo proved his worth.. The best barca formation of attack was Etoo. Ronaldhino and Deco... Etoo forever in my heart.
STRCRFT
45
Maybe you're right, maybe you don't. Samu.. As a barca fans i really appreciate what u do with us in a couple year, but please someone will like u play style doesn't mean everybody like u play style.. Pep have some reason, why u just kicking in the team.. Cz u don't want pep change ur position, pep has a different perspective on his tactic. Just let it go and forgive him. Be positive what you got
oheneantwib
45
Eto Eto the phenomenal of Barcelona. I vividly remember those days with you and Ronaldiniho when your unbelievable connection that was only understood by both of you. But please don't let these football ⚽ journalists get in your head, they will only cause you headaches and unnecessary attention that is needed currently. You forgive be in the heart of we Clues.
Nocdekmprt
41
I don't understand what Eto'o means. I don't think that Guardiolar or any other person would say Eto'o isn't a great player or that he didn't help Barca before or during Guardiolar's era. How many years did Samuel play under Guardiolar for him to say Barcelona won because of him? Was not just one year? Did Barcelona fail to win trophies again after Eto'o left? I have never ever heard Messi say he's the reason Barcelona won, or are winning, any trophies. I don't think that Guardiolar has singled out one play as the reason for his success with Barcelona. Eto'o was fortunate to play along talents like Xavi and Iniesta among others and he did well scoring incredibly but Messi has been doing impossible things even when the Barca team are depleted. But we all know the truth.
busnors
41
How in the world do you celebrate Barcelona of Guardiola without mentioning Samuel Eto'o. That is a height of ingratitude. See the equalising goal in 2006 UCL final against 10-man Arsenal. The Commentator said, "He is not offside. His speed took him there". You know how powerful some 10-men squads are against 11. Sammy Eto'o, forgive us. You are black. That is the reason. Don't you know. Lionel Messi was not even on the bench that day. Ronaldinho performed even below his shadow that day - wasted many edge of the box free kicks.
Nels-7
40
"... the current Manchester City boss went on to ask him for forgiveness" THAT IS FALSE. YOU HAVE MADE IT UP! READ THE PLAYER WELL BEFORE WRITING YOUR ARTICLE. HE WANTED PEP TO APOLOGIZE doesn't mean THE MANAGER "WENT ON TO APOLOGIZE"! So stop trying to report what is not said and making people believe what you want instead of what is true! “I said to Guardiola: 'you'll apologise to me because it's me that will make Barcelona win - not Lionel Messi'. “It was the situation back then. Messi would come later. “... It was me that made Barcelona win and Guardiola would ask me for forgiveness.” That is what he actually said.
Cyde
39
Messi played 51 matches and scored 38 goals Eto'0 played 52 maches and scored 36 goals. Then who is the best between them?
losdilmnu
38
Fan boys didn't watch Barcelona back then, remember it everyone, everyone watched Messi after 2008 because that's when he started to start more often, and Eto'o is right, he was the reason of Barcelona's success in the younger days, but since Messi has become a legendary player, everyone tries to find clips and matches of him when he was even younger, had it not been for Eto'o Barcelona wouldn't have won the UCL back in 2006, and if you don't think he's good enough he was the main man for Mourinho after he left Barcelona to Inter and went to win a treble There are a lot of players that will get hate for saying they would like more credit than Messi, many undeserved, but Eto'o deserves his own spot in the history books of Barcelona.
FootballGuru
37
One thing is for sure if Guardiola kept Eto'o for the year 2009 - 2010 they would have won a treble of CL and Pep knows it, but Pep changed him for Ibra that year the biggest mistake he made.