Guardiola: Valverde has done a very good job at Barcelona, I'm glad he's staying Barcelona Speaking at basketball match

Pep Guardiola has shown his support for under-fire Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has made it clear that Valverde will be continuing in his role despite a disappointing end to the season.

"Away from the great friendship that we have, Ernesto is spectacular," the Manchester City coach said at the basketball match between Manresa and Real Madrid on Sunday.

"He's done a very good job. Sure he lost the Champions League, we all did.

"[He's in charge of] a team that has won two leagues in a row and plays good football, I'm happy that he's staying.

"Barcelona continue being loyal to his style."

The Catalans were knocked out of the Champions League after they were beaten heavily by Liverpool at Anfield in the semi-finals.

"Barcelona and Liverpool are very good teams," Guardiola said. "Liverpool are champions of Europe, they're very strong.

"When the standard is so high, if one team has a bad game, that's when you lose."

Guardiola beat Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to the Premier League title, despite the Reds picking up 97 points during the campaign.

"We have an amazing rivalry, but not only with [Liverpool], there are five other strong teams and that's why the Premier League is so tough," Guardiola said.

"Next season we will start from zero and we'll see what happens."

There are always hopeful rumours that Guardiola may return to Barcelona whenever the coach's position is unstable.

"I've already had my time as coach, now there are new generations. It's always about me going to the Camp Nou."