"Guardiola's Barca was the essence of football"

There are dates which end up sticking in your mind. Not only when you win, but also when you lose.

Dimitar Berbatov told 'Betfair' what he felt in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals after losing both to Barca as a United player.

"That Barcelona was the best team I've ever played against. They were the essence of football," the ex-United man said.

And the thing is, at that time, Pep Guardiola's men were brilliant as a team: "They had very great players like Xavi and Iniesta who were working a lot, so much, that they made Messi even better than what he already was. They understood each other as well... they were an unbelievable team."

Barcelona beat United in 2009 and 2011, although on the second occasion, Berbatov did not make Ferguson's squad. "It was disappointing he left me out, I was scoring goals from any part of the pitch," the Bulgarian continued.

With regards to the present, Berbatov referred to Coutinho. "I'm sure Bayern's rejection will play on his mind. It's going to be difficult for him to accept it, but now he has to go a club which believe in him, with a coach who gives him confidence and who allows him to play regularly," he said.

"Was it really necessary for Coutinho to sign for Barca? At Liverpool he was playing brilliantly, but I'm sure he wanted to play with Messi and Suarez. Barca are Barca," he analysed.

Lastly, he gave his opinion on the Champions League, which will be played in August. "Bayern are the favourites for me, it must be because I'm watching lots of Bundesliga. I'm impressed with the quality of their play. Atalanta could spring a surprise. Nobody is taking them seriously and I think that could be their strength," he concluded.