The accomplished Barcelona coach regards 'El Loco' as being the best in the business.
Josep Guardiola, the coach of Barcelona, has labelled Athletic Bilbao counterpart Marcelo Bielsa as "the best coach on the planet," after the Argentine guided the Basque outfit to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League at the expense of Manchester United on Wednesday.
"Bielsa is currently the best coach on the planet. He provides a sense of honesty to every game where a win or a loss means the same," Guardiola, who thoroughly praised the former Chile national team tactician, declared to Spanish journal Marca.
Athletic Bilbao won home and away games against United to progress to the quarter-finals of a European club competition for the first time in 35 years. After winning 3-2 at Old Trafford, Bielsa's side went on to repeat the feat with a 2-1 win in the return leg in San Mames.
Pep also referred to the upcoming final of the Copa del Rey, where his European champions will lock horns with Bielsa's Athletic in what is expected to be a fascinating affair at the Vicente Calderon stadium in May.
"I predict the final of the Cup will be marvellous. It is a gift for him [Bielsa] to be part of this league," Guardiola concluded.
If Guardiola were to part ways with Barcelona at the conclusion of the season, Bielsa has been touted by many as being his ideal replacement. Even Guardiola himself admitted that the Argentine would be a worthy successor.
"Bielsa is currently the best coach on the planet. He provides a sense of honesty to every game where a win or a loss means the same," Guardiola, who thoroughly praised the former Chile national team tactician, declared to Spanish journal Marca.
Athletic Bilbao won home and away games against United to progress to the quarter-finals of a European club competition for the first time in 35 years. After winning 3-2 at Old Trafford, Bielsa's side went on to repeat the feat with a 2-1 win in the return leg in San Mames.
Pep also referred to the upcoming final of the Copa del Rey, where his European champions will lock horns with Bielsa's Athletic in what is expected to be a fascinating affair at the Vicente Calderon stadium in May.
"I predict the final of the Cup will be marvellous. It is a gift for him [Bielsa] to be part of this league," Guardiola concluded.
If Guardiola were to part ways with Barcelona at the conclusion of the season, Bielsa has been touted by many as being his ideal replacement. Even Guardiola himself admitted that the Argentine would be a worthy successor.
