'In Barca I was a lucky guy and I agree with them': Pep Guardiola admits he was fortunate to win the Champions League with talented Barcelona squad featuring likes of Lionel Messi and Xavi

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Pep Guardiola has said he was 'lucky' to have won the Champions League at Barcelona.

The Manchester City boss has triumphed twice in Europe's elite competition, both times with the Catalan giants in 2009 and 2011.

He has been unable to repeat the feat at Bayern Munich and at Manchester City, leading some to conclude that he benefited from Barcelona's talented squad.

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Pep Guardiola won the Champions League twice with Barcelona, in 2009 and 2011

He worked with some star names including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi

And when asked about what he would say to those who suggest his success at Barcelona was purely down to the stars he worked with, Guardiola responded: 'I would agree with them.

'When I was there I said that I had incredible players.

'I did in Munich and do in Manchester. But in Barca I was a lucky guy and I agree with them.'

Guardiola's Manchester City made history last season by becoming the first English side to win the Premier League title with more than 100 points.

Despite that success and a Carabao Cup win last year, the Catalan has been unable to make it past the quarter-finals of the Champions League. 

But he remains focused on success in Europe and believes City can compete for the trophy this year.

Guardiola has yet to experience European success with any other club than the Catalans

Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi featured in both finals for Guardiola's Barcelona

'The first season was a big fail,' he added. 'I believe the team can do better things than the first season.

'We know each other much better. But this competition is special. The teams are good.

'You have to control your emotions. You have to suffer and survive the bad moments. But we are confident.'