Barca coach Guardiola offers crumb of comfort after Champions League exit

Madrid, April 25 (Xinhua-ANI): FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola offered his side's supporters a consolation after Barca's painful exit from the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Although Barca defeated Chelsea 2-1 on the night, a goal on the brink of halftime by Chelsea midfielder Ramires saw the English side through on away goals thanks to their 1-0 win in the first leg last week.

The result was especially hard to take given that Leo Messi missed a 48th minute penalty which would have put his side into the final, while he also smashed a shot against the woodwork in the closing minutes of the encounter.

Guardiola was clearly disappointed by the result, but the coach, who has yet to renew his contract, which expires at the end of this season, indicated that with his side out of Europe and with little to say in the remaining four matches of the domestic season, now was the moment to discuss his future.

"In the next few days we have to speak to the President (Sandro Rosell) to see what is for the best for the club. Now is the time for us to speak about it," said Guardiola, who is expected to stay at the club for another season, despite the disappointment of falling in Champions League just four days after his side lost at home to Real Madrid.

"I feel tremendously sad, we did everything possible to get to the final and I feel as if we have failed," said the coach.

"We didn't put the ball in the net and that is what the game is about, while they scored all three of their goals in injury time. We have worked hard and we have played good games, but we couldn't break through a very defensive system and all we can do is congratulate them."

"We gave everything in both matches and we have to accept that, we never did as much as we have done to try and get to a final," he concluded.

Meanwhile Chelsea boss Roberto De Matteo admitted that his side had been fortunate to reach the final.

"I am exhausted, but at the same time I feel happy for winning the tie. I don't find it hard to say that Barca were the better side, but I am very happy with my players for reaching the final," he commented. (Xinhua-ANI)