Pep Guardiola has claimed that Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is "probably the best coach in the world".
The Barcelona boss believes that coaches do not need to have played football professionally to be good at their job.
"It is not necessary to have played football to become a great coach," he said. "[Arrigo] Sacchi changed this sport without having played, while Mourinho is probably the best coach in the world.
"To have been in dressing rooms before can help in certain situations, but to not have been can also have advantages."
Barca are currently three points behind leaders Madrid in the La Liga table.