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Claiming Champions League glory has become Barcelona's primary objective in recent years, yet Pep Guardiola warns that becoming fixated on European conquest is dangerous because the competition "destroys projects."
Guardiola has returned to Barcelona following the conclusion of a remarkable 10-year tenure with Manchester City. Despite the challenges, Guardiola did guide City to their maiden Champions League title, though consistent domestic dominance never translated into sustained European success.
The iconic manager attended a Johan Cruyff Foundation event near his hometown in Catalonia. In his first public outing since departing City, Guardiola was questioned about what Barça are lacking to finally break their 11-year Champions League title drought, and his response was illuminating.
"The Champions League destroys projects, I hope that's not the case [at Barcelona]," Guardiola said. "We must not think that just because you don't win it, it means everything that has been built is worthless. La Liga is what gives you consistency.
"In the Champions you need to arrive in good shape at the end, free of injuries, and the referees' influence is also enormous in this competition.
"The important thing is that the day-to-day is positive, that the team keeps developing. Don't assume that failing to reach the Champions League final or not lifting the trophy makes the season a failure. What determines whether a season is successful or not is La Liga."
Will Barcelona Listen to Guardiola's Champions League Warning?
Guardiola has a point — the Champions League does dismantle projects, and Barça understand that better than most. Ernesto Valverde presided over two of the most commanding La Liga title campaigns in Blaugrana history between 2017–19, yet two catastrophic Champions League exits cost him his position after two and a half seasons despite only seven league losses.
Guardiola's suggestion to judge Barça by domestic achievements is well-meaning, but it's also idealistic. That possibility faded long ago, largely due to a decade-long drought during which fierce rivals Real Madrid claimed the Champions League trophy five times.
Hansi Flick's Barcelona project remains firmly on track, however. The German coach has transformed the Catalans into genuine European contenders for the first time this decade, and even Guardiola has been won over by what he's witnessed.
"They've had two extraordinary years," Guardiola said of Flick's Barça. "Beyond the results, because of how brilliantly they've played and how entertaining it is to watch them. I'm a huge admirer of Hansi [Flick], of his style of play, and hopefully it continues for many years."
Sooner or later, though, even Flick won't be immune to the pressure of Barcelona's European obsession, particularly when Champions League success should be within reach for a side boasting one of the most talented squads on the continent.
Summer reinforcements are required to further strengthen Barça's prospects, and Guardiola offered his assessment of two former players who are strongly linked with moves to Catalonia.
Guardiola's Verdict on Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez to Barcelona
Barcelona are anticipated to be prominent figures in the summer transfer market even after splashing out on Anthony Gordon. Two players most prominently on Barça's radar are former Man City colleagues under Guardiola — Bernardo Silva and Julián Alvarez.
Guardiola was invited to comment on both former players potentially wearing the Blaugrana jersey next season, and he delivered a concise yet enthusiastic reply.
"Bernardo is a player who can fit into any team, he's exceptionally talented," Guardiola said. "[Alvarez] He's also outstanding — Man City players are all very good."
Only time will tell whether Silva and Alvarez ultimately land in Catalonia, but their arrivals would make Barcelona an even more fearsome force heading into a 2026–27 season where Champions League glory will once again be the ultimate goal.