Barca gave us a hiding - Ferguson

2011-05-29 14:24:09

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Guardiola appreciates Barca players

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Ferguson admitted that Barcelona would be difficult to beat so long as their star players Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez remained in their ranks.

"I think that great teams do go in cycles, and I think the cycle they're in at the moment makes them the best in Europe, there's no question of that," said the Scot.

"How long it lasts, whether they can replace that team at a certain point, who knows? But they certainly have the philosophy.

"It's always difficult to say whether you'll be able to replace players like Xavi and Iniesta at a certain point. Probably not. But they are enjoying the moment and they deserve to because they play football the right way."

United centre-back Rio Ferdinand echoed his manager's comments, adding: "They are a fantastic football team with great individuals, but more importantly, they are a great collective team.

"We've got to aim to get to that and that's something for next season and we will come back fighting again next year."

“Irresistible all evening, United couldn't get anywhere near him - 10 out of 10”

Jonathan Stevenson's player ratings

Meanwhile, United captain Nemanja Vidic conceded that defensive errors had cost his side at Wembley.

"We tried to press high and in some parts of the game we did well," said the Serbian.

"But the goals we lost, we didn't do what we have to do to close their players down.

"When they have time on the ball they can make the final pass and that is what they did."

Full-back Patrice Evra paid tribute to Barca's almost telepathic style play which saw them win the European Cup for a second time at Wembley.

"We have to accept that for the last four years Barcelona have been the best team in the world, and United the second," admitted the Frenchman.

"We know each other, but they know each other so well, so perfectly.

"Every time Messi gets the ball he knows Xavi is going to be there, Pedro is going to be there, or Iniesta.

"It was very difficult, Barcelona keep the ball really well."

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