Former Barcelona sports chief Txiki Begiristain admits they chose Pep Guardiola over Jose Mourinho when first appointing the Blaugrana coach.

Mourinho eventually found himself at Real Madrid after producing a detailed presentation to Begiristain and then president Joan Laporta's board, which was overlooked for Guardiola.

"Pep was an excellent player. From the base, the juniors, so it was easy for him to understand the system and philosophy that we implemented, the optimal way to win games.

"Mourinho could've come, we contacted him, but Guardiola knew exactly what and how Barcelona worked and had the advantage of knowing by heart the media, the famous surroundings. He was ahead of Mourinho."