Guardiola praise after Barcelona 3-3 Inter: ‘Inzaghi is an unbelievable manager’ | OneFootball

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola was full of compliments for Inter and his former side Barcelona after watching them play out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night: ‘Inzaghi is an incredible coach’.

The Nerazzurri came home from Barcelona level at the midway stage of their Champions League semi-final tie after goals from Marcus Thuram, two from Denzel Dumfries, plus individual efforts from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Raphinha, which went down as a Yann Sommer own goal.

The 3-3 draw between Barcelona and Inter is already widely considered as one of the greatest matches played at any level this season. Antonio Cassano also claimed that it was ‘the best’ game in the Champions League this term.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale scores his team’s second goal whilst under pressure from Pedri and Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Guardiola praises Inter after Barcelona draw: ‘Stadiums will never ever be empty’

Guardiola was also asked about the game during his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Specifically, Guardiola was asked if he was ‘surprised’ by what the sensational 17-year-old Lamine Yamal had to offer on the night.

Guardiola replied: “Not surprised at how nice the game was. Thanks to this type of game, the stadiums will never ever be empty. And our business will grow, so I can just be grateful for the two semi-finals because both were unbelievable, especially yesterday’s game.”

Guardiola offered specific praise for Simone Inzaghi and his Inter side, and believes that their performance makes Man City’s Champions League final victory over them even more impressive.

“I think Inter proved again when we won the Champions League against the opponent that we faced, (it) was incredible, Inter: how good they defend, in the transitions, physicality, well organised. Inzaghi is an unbelievable manager.

“Next Tuesday and Wednesday will be incredible games, they are four fantastic teams and they deserve to be there.”