Barcelona sports chief Txiki Beguiristain has paid tribute to coach Pep Guardiola after they clinched the Spanish Liga title. Real Madrid's defeat to Villarreal last night handed the trophy to Barca and a delighted Beguiristain said: "His ability to manage a very competitive workforce, his organizational capacity and the way he can convince each player what their role is in the team has surprised me, I must admit.

"Guardiola has perfected the system of Frank Rijkaard, who in turn had improved the system of Johan Cruyff.

"It's spectacular. Of 24 players, eleven are fighting for a start and everything is the result of great work and how to maintain a style."