Under-pressure Guardiola loses cool

Pep Guardiola launched an astonishing foul-mouthed attack on a journalist as the Barcelona manager did nothing to dampen speculation that he and his side are vulnerable going into tonight’s Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

The Nou Camp boss is under pressure after his side lost the first leg 1-0 at Stamford Bridge before relinquishing their La Liga title by losing 2-1 at home to Real Madrid in Saturday’s El Classico.

And Guardiola was furious at criticism of 20-year-old winger Cristian Tello, who missed a series of chances in that game.

“He played a f***ing good game, most of the chances were created by him,” fumed Guardiola after making a staunch defence of a side that has, lest we forget, have won 13 trophies in the last three-and-a-half years.

“You can attack the veterans but not the young players. Analyse, don’t criticise.”

It was an astonishing moment after a press conference in which Guardiola had lauded Lionel Messi, who has played poorly in the last two games and missed training on Sunday due to illness.

And the 41-year-old made no secret of his confidence that his side can overturn their deficit from the first leg to reach the Final in Munich, where they would either play Real or Bayern Munich.

“I will never worry about Messi,” he said. “He can be not scoring for two games. Let us give him licence to spend whatever time he needs to without scoring. He lives for scoring, helping his people and feeling responsible for his part in this.

“Will we reach the final in Munich? I have no doubts about that. I can face this situation with an optimism because I have faith in my players.”