Menezes hails Barcelona example

Posted Saturday, September 22, 2012 by ESPN

Brazil manager Mario Menezes admits to being in awe of what Barcelona has achieved in recent years.

Under the reign of former manager Pep Guardiola, Barcelona revolutionized club football with their adaptation of the "tiki-taka" style of play. The possession-based tactic brought tremendous success to both the club and Guardiola, with the Catalans winning a total of 14 trophies during his reign.

Speaking to FIFA.com, Menezes believed the La Liga side were destined to achieve what they did, as the team managed to carry out what was previously considered tactically impossible.

"They did things that made you look and say to yourself: 'They can’t be doing that, it’s not tactically possible'," he said.

"And, despite that, the team went on to achieve a great level of supremacy. That could only be possible with that squad, with those particular players."

As such, the Brazilian deemed the mark left by Barcelona to be indelible.

"In football, winning teams always make a mark and have an influence over a given period," Menezes stated.

"They go on to be hailed as examples to follow and, from that moment on, they change the way others behave."

Barcelona welcome Granada to the Camp Nou for their La Liga fixture tonight [Saturday].