The Catalan manager dismissed notions that he regrets the spurned penalty and thanked his talisman for the excellent service he has provided in the season.
Barcelona’s wastefulness in front of goal cost them their European title defence as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 booked a place in the current edition of UEFA Champions League final to be held at the Camp Nou.
The 3-2 aggregate loss highlighted an aspect of La Blaugrana which has not been seen before; that is failure to hit the back of the net.
The semi-final second leg major blunder came from the boots of 63-goal hero, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296, as he failed to convert from the spot.
When quizzed about his sentiments at the lost chance from close range, manager Pep Guardiola rejected notions that he is not cross at the Argentine.
Continuing on the topic, Guardiola added that he can only thank Messi for his impressive performances for Barcelona which has allowed the team to improve in the process.
However, the retired Spanish footballer admitted that the failure to score from close range will haunt the Argentine captain due to his competitive nature but believes he will come out of it eventually.
"I only have to thank him for all he has done," the 41-year-old added. "My admiration for him is insurmountable, he helps us to improve every day.”
"He will have a couple of difficult hours because we all know how competitive he is, but that is the good thing about this sport.”
Reflecting on the defeat, Guardiola stated that losing is part and parcel of the game and the fans should understand that La Blaugrana cannot win every time they go on the pitch.
"Sometimes you smile, and sometimes you lose."
"Welcome to the club. You will cry more times.”
"This is part of the sport. You cannot win every time."
Defeats against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League and against Real Madrid in El Clasico at the Camp Nou mean http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 have lost out on the two major competitions they have looked forward to since the beginning of the 2011/12 campaign.
However, La Blaugrana are still in the running to lift the Copa del Rey trophy come the end of May but will need to defeat Athletic Bilbao.
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