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Pep Guardiola optimistic of progression

Guardiola optimistic of progression
© PA Photos
Pep Guardiola has faith in his players to respond to their first-leg loss and beat Chelsea in their Champions League semi-final at the Nou Camp.

Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Chelsea is a great challenge, but has faith in his players to progress to the final.

The Catalan giants head into the match 1-0behind on aggregate following Didier Drogba's first-leg strike.

However, Guardiola is confident that his team is capable of responding to the loss by raising their game at the Nou Camp tomorrow night.

"I don't know if this is the most important moment of my career as a coach, but I have always faced these challenges with a lot of optimism as I believe in my players and team," he said.

"Whenever you have a defeat, the day after the match you feel a little low but afterwards you get faith in the facts and I am optimistic because I know them well and that we will work hard."

Barca were handed a boost earlier with the news that Lionel Messi is back in training following a gastric issue.

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