Guardiola dismisses Premier League as world's most intense division

Pep Guardiola doesn't buy the idea that the Premier League is more demanding than its European counterparts.

Having managed in Spain and Germany, Guardiola has witnessed first-hand the pace of the game in neighbouring countries. His Barcelona and Bayern Munich sides dictated the tempo at their very best, often passing the ball in dizzying, frustrating fashion.

The Premier League has always prided itself on intensity, with the rigours of the congested Christmas schedule and the overall speed of the game in England.

But Guardiola is having none of it.

"I hear a lot of times about the intensity of the Premier League when none of you have been in La Liga or the Bundesliga to know how it is," he told reporters. "The problem here is maybe that there are more games but the way that they play in Germany is … (whistles) … it's amazing.

"I think you have to have respect for the other leagues, how they play and the way they play."

Related - Guardiola: No time to practise penalties at City

Guardiola's Manchester City will visit Barcelona on Wednesday - the Spanish gaffer's third professional trip back to Camp Nou since leaving the Blaugrana in 2012.

City has brought its own brand of energetic football to the fore, with the adventurous Kevin De Bruyne a key component of that ever-moving philosophy.

But a three-match winless run has halted City's progress, and a lesson could yet await in Spain. Barcelona thrashed Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 on Saturday, which also marked the return of Lionel Messi from injury.

"Of course Barcelona is special in how they play, a machine," Guardiola added. Three amazing players in front, good counterattack, the way they build up, so when they win 4-0 it's because they deserve to win 4-0."