'I think 2009 Barca would beat treble-winning City': Toure

Pep Guardiola has had an remarkable coaching career. The Spaniard is the only manager to have won the treble twice, and became the youngest manager to win the Champions League, when he led Barcelona to success in 2009.

That same year, his first full one as a coach, he also took home La Liga and the Copa del Rey, bagging his star-studded team the treble. His 2009 Barca side is arguably one of the most iconic ever seen in football, boasting prime Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Yaya Toure.

Now, midfielder Toure has voiced his belief that his teammates would beat Guardiola's current Manchester City cohort, treble winners last season. "That team was so complete", he said as he reeled off his team's infamous line-up.

"It would be tough but that team, with the mix of superstars, so many great players, I think they would win. 100 per cent", he declared, "It was a dream. Even when we were in a training session, it was so intense. The levels we had every day."

"Imagine Iniesta when he was 26, 27. Xavi when he was 28… those players in that period were incredible", he added. Toure left Barca in 2010 to join Man City, and after eight seasons, almost 80 goals and three Premier League titles, the Ivory Coast international left the English side, on their way to something great.

"This is what I predicted. When I made my debut, I said I came to this club because one day this club is going to be great and be on top of United", he said, "So seeing Man City do that [win the UCL] was incredible, to see them lift this trophy. Soon City will be really well respected in world football".

 

July 9, 2023