Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists the success of Pep Guardiola had nothing to do with Real Madrid's dismissal of Bernd Schuster this week.

"Guardiola has not influenced the Schuster decision," said Laporta. "The big moment for Barca is thanks to Guardiola, who leads the team masterfully. It was a very wise decision (to appoint him).

"Schuster was thrown out by the directors and the president of Madrid, because they believed it was best for his club."

He added: "You cannot always win and when things are not going well, things happen that are not pleasant. I understand the suffering of (Real president) Ramon Calderon."