Guardiola spoke at a press conference about the departure of Busquets from Barcelona.
Arsenal’s defeat on Saturday saw Manchester City lift their fifth league title under Pep Guardiola. City took advantage of their game against Chelsea to celebrate more Premier League success with two games remaining this season. The Catalan coach explained the need to maintain their sharpness in their next two games to be in ready for the FA Cup final against Manchester United on 3 June and the Champions League final against Inter a week later.
During his press conference ahead of the Brighton game, Guardiola also spoke about Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Ilkay Gündogan, who is out of contract with City this summer, was another of the main talking points, as was Sergio Busquets, a player Guardiola worked with during his time at Barcelona.
Will you rotate your team for the next two games?
The two teams we have to play in the league deserve our full attention. We have some players with injuries, and although the finals are our main objective, we have to play as well as possible and be as focused as we can in these next two games. They are two good opponents.
Have you been impressed with De Zerbi’s season at Brighton?
Very much so. He is to be congratulated on the incredible success of qualifying for Europe. Roberto is one of the most influential coaches of the last 20 years. No team plays like his, it’s unique. I had a feeling he would have a big impact in the Premier League, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon. They generate 20 or 25 chances a game, they monopolise possession, everyone is involved and even the goalkeeper is like a midfielder. If you don’t play at the top level they can do whatever they want to you. They deserve these compliments and the success they have had. I try to learn a lot from him. He is unique. It’s like a Michelin-starred restaurant. In Catalonia, there was El Bulli with Ferran Adrià, the best chef for many years and he changed the cuisine completely. I think the Brighton game is unique and special. It is special because of the way they move, it will be an incredible challenge for us.
Is there any news about Gündogan?
I can’t tell you because I don’t know.
Is Busquets’ departure the end of an era at Barcelona?
No, in that kind of club it is never the end of an era, players come and go. The impact Busquets had as a midfielder in the last 15, 20 years is enormous. The club has the talent to reorganise and rebuild itself. One title is never enough, Barcelona is difficult. They won LaLiga but the season is a disaster because they didn’t reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. The club is looking to take the next step, so you become one of the best clubs in the world. Busquets was the best, able to read everything that happens and anticipate situations. He didn’t move a lot, only in the centre, but he could solve any problem with his brain. It was fascinating to work and learn with him. I said it in private but... I think he will be an exceptional coach.