Barcelona ash fear

FEAR ... Pep Guardiola

PEP GUARDIOLA fears Iceland's volcanic ash cloud could wreck Barcelona's Champions League hopes again.

Flights into the UK are affected. And, ahead of Saturday's final with Manchester United, Barca boss Guardiola said: "We need expert advice. Let's see what they tell us.

"If they say we shouldn't risk it, we will travel on Tuesday or Wednesday. If it's OK we will travel as expected on Thursday."

Barcelona's preparations were hit last year too after the ash cloud from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano forced most of European airspace to shut down.

The Catalans had to drive to Milan for their semi-final first leg against Inter, which they lost 3-1 before going out on aggregate.

Now Guardiola fears thousands of Barca fans could be stranded in Spain, unable to make the trek to Wembley, as another Icelandic volcano, Grimsvotn, spews ash into the atmosphere.

He added: "I hope the volcano doesn't affect the fans who are going there. I hope we can get there but also our fans. It would make no sense if they can't get there.

"I guess they are concerned, like us. I hope this news will be good.

"This is a show for people and it would be really unfortunate if they can't be there.

"Like last year when we had to travel to Milan. We couldn't control that and it would be unfair to have half the stadium empty because people are not able to travel.

"Many, 12,000, are travelling on the day of the final and have no other option.

"UEFA would never delay the final. It will be played on Saturday."
As for facing the Red Devils, under boss Alex Ferguson, Guardiola said: "I fear absolutely everything about United.

"We'll have to be perfect, as good as possible. They're a great team."