Barca still the best - Schweinsteiger

The Spanish club has maintained "an unbelievably high level consistently over the last six years", according to the German midfielder in an interview with Sunday newspaper 'Bild am Sonntag'.

"We can't say we're the best team in Europe after winning one prestigious trophy", the German international added in reference to the Bavarian club's year, which saw the side claim a historic treble - the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.

Schweinsteiger predicts a run of "great duels" between Barça and Bayern - the club Pep Guardiola will take charge of on 26th June. Stories on the pressure on Guardiola to succeed at Bayern, after the success of Jupp Heynckes, are ubiquitous in the German media.

Bayern captain, Philipp Lahm, told 'Süddeutsche Zeitung' newspaper that the team had produced its greatest season, but that he believed Guardiola's arrival would create even higher expectations. "He's an experienced manager. He'll make us even stronger", said the full-back after analysing the success under Heynckes and the challenge faced by the Catalan.

"Everyone is more on their toes when a change is made. Our successful season will not be a problem for the new manager", Lahm added. The defender went on to say that the current team is "perfect" for someone like Guardiola and that the club has "many more successful years to come".


/Marca.Com/