Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola is all set for an emotional return "home" after seeing his side drawn with Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals on Friday.
The two teams will compete for a place in the final of the competition over two legs next month, with Guardiola going back to his old ground for the first leg on May 6. Guardiola spent 24 years of his career with Barcelona as a player, a coach in the youth ranks and as the club's manager, but faces the unfamiliar challenge of going up against them.
He faces a former team mate in Luis Enrique, and stated that he believes Barcelona are still the best team in the world at the moment.
Guardiola said: "Naturally it is very special for many of us, Thiago (Alcantara), the staff. It's Barcelona, it is my home.
"They are a great team, as are we. We have to analyse what we can do in each game. I believe Barcelona are the best team in the world at the moment.
"You always face big sides in the semi-finals of a competition. Last year we played Real, this year it is Barcelona. I have a lot of respect for them. I am glad that I will have the chance to face them during my career, but at the end of the day it is two games of football.
"We want to beat Barcelona but they have a quality team. It will be the first time that I have gone back, so it is going to be special and emotional for me."
He said of his opposite number: "He is a great coach and in his first year (with Barça) he could win the treble. I'm very happy for him."
Enrique himself was complimentary of the former Catalan boss, but made no bones about his desire to win and see his side play in the final of the Champions League.
He said: "It’s special as it’s the first time Pep will face Barca. He will face his former players too. Bayern aspire to the same as us and have the best coach.
"I always think after the draw of the bad luck for whoever has been drawn to play against Barcelona. I don’t care about playing the first leg at home or away. We will go out to win both games."
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