Barcelona boss Luis Enrique ready for tactical surprises from Pep Guardiola

Luis Enrique insists he is prepared for any surprises Pep Guardiola may spring when Barcelona host Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

Guardiola, who won three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues during a golden spell as Barca coach from 2008 until 2012, is returning to the Nou Camp for the first time as an opposition manager.

The pair are good friends from their time playing together at Barca and for the Spanish national team but go head-to-head for the first time as managers.

And Enrique is ready for the tactical battle when the German champions visit on Wednesday.

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"Having seen Bayern and knowing Pep, there could well be changes and surprises which can make things complicated for us," Luis Enrique told a news conference.

"During the season, though, we have been overcoming problems that the opposition have thrown at us and even though it is Bayern and Pep, we will try to do the same again.

"I don't think that Pep will have many doubts about what he will face. He knows the players and he knows how I was as a player. There is only one ball, we will both want to have it, and we will see who is on top and copes best on the pitch.

"I believe it will be one of the most attractive games that you will be able to see in Europe."

Barcelona enter the final stage of the season with a trophy treble in their sights but must first overcome Guardiola’s Bayern to reach their first Champions League final since 2011.

Enrique has warned his side against overlooking the Germans, claiming the tie is about far more than just Guardiola’s return to the club.

"We aren't going into this as a game against Pep," Enrique added.

"He is the number one for what he has achieved and he's a friend, but this is such an important game for all Barca fans that it should be more important than any specific people.

"It's nice for the players to meet Guardiola again, but they know that this game is more important than just that. Guardiola knows most of our players but I don't think that will be decisive. There are many other factors.”