MX23RW : Monday, July 8 08:04:38| >> :120:21304:21304:

Pep Guardiola relishing Chelsea contest

Guardiola 'excited' to face Chelsea
© PA Photos
Pep Guardiola says that he "admires" the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Didier Drogba ahead of Barcelona's Champions League first-leg semi-final against Chelsea.

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has praised Chelsea's ageing stars and has admitted that he is "excited" for his side to take to Stamford Bridge for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final this evening.

While there have been claims that the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Didier Drogba are beginning to decline, Guardiola has stated that he "admires" the trio, who are all in their thirties.

"I do admire that generation of players," said the 41-year-old boss. "They have done so well over the last seven years and have got into so many semi-finals and finals, and competed in the Premier League so well.

"That's not easy, so I do admire what they have achieved. It will be exciting to play them."

Following the first leg tie Barca will have to face Real Madrid in El Clasico, while Chelsea take on Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.

ID:24189: cacheID:24189:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1708:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Frank Lampard
Read Next:
Lampard: Discipline is vital
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Tuesday, July 9
 
8pm
Semi-Finals
Spain
vs.
France
Wednesday, July 10
 
8pm
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!