Guardiola turns his attention to El Classico
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FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has wasted no time in turning his attention to next Monday's vital Spanish Primera Liga clash against Real Madrid in the Camp Nou Stadium.
Guardiola had refused to discuss the game that will have a huge bearing on which side wins Spain's domestic league this season, he preferred to focus his attention on Barca's Champions League tie away to Greek side Panathinaikos.
Barcelona won that game 3-0 on Wednesday night, thanks to goals from Leo Messi and two from Pedro Rodriguez and the coach was finally able to look ahead to next Monday's game, which is known as 'El Classico' in Spain.
"I was looking forward to being able to talk about it. I want the game to arrive and to get it over with," said Guardiola on the Barcelona website this Thursday.
With Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by just one point, Guardiola's team needs a win to return to the top of the table, while a draw or a Real Madrid win would make their rivals favorites to win the BBVA Primera Liga title.
"The Classico is something that we all have to live with. It is going to be an intense match, good to watch and with huge expectation surrounding it," added Guardiola.
Despite being played on a Monday night because of the elections for the Catalan Parliament which are being held on Sunday night, the Camp Nou Stadium will be packed with 98,000 Barcelona fans and there will be an incredible atmosphere.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is deeply unpopular in Barcelona, despite a spell as assistant to Sir Bobby Robson and also Louis Van Gaal, when they worked at the club and both Mourinho and his Madrid side can expect a hostile reception from the supporters.
"Some people take it for granted that the atmosphere will not help us, but that will not be the case," said Guardiola, who will hold a packed press conference the day before the game.
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