Pique happy with final Guardiola win

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes that "it could not have ended better" after his side won the Copa del Rey final in Pep Guardiola's last game in charge.

Barcelona will now have to prepare for life without their talented manager who announced his decision to leave the club earlier in the year. Guardiola leaves the club after four years in charge and having amassed 14 major trophies in one of the most successful periods in Barcelona's history.

The coach declared that he was content with having won just one trophy this year having missed out on the La Liga title and the Champions League and reiterated his faith in assistant coach Tito Vilanova who is slated to take over from him for the coming season.

The former Manchester United defender agreed with his coach and believes that winning a trophy for the coach in his final game was a fitting way to thank him for the hard work that he has put in for the club.

"I believe it could not have ended better for Pep," said Pique after the win.

"We knew that they would try to pressure us and we were clear that, whoever started off stronger in the beginning would win the Cup.

"The fans were exemplary."

Carles Puyol's injury meant that Xavi had to take on the armband and he was equally enthusiastic about his side's performance. Their opponents Athletic Bilbao are renowned for their ability to put the best sides under pressure but the Spanish international was happy that his side did not buckle and ensured the win with three quickfire goals in the first 30 minutes.

"We took the lead and we played a great first half," he said.

"In the second half, fatigue forced us to take our foot off the pedal.”

"I thank Guardiola for everything that he’s taught me."

"It’s an honour to be able to lift trophies for the best team in the world.”

Pedro was equally happy for his coach and insists that he will only have the best of memories of his time with him.

“There are a lot of good moments, but I’m sticking with the good times with Guardiola, with the team-mates and with the titles we’ve won," he said.

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes is now looking forward to a well-deserved rest but he believes that Barcelona will come back after the break in a much stronger position.

“I’m happy that this title culminates our good season.

"Next year we will give it our all once again.”