BARCELONA: Midfield general Xavi hails his Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova, insisting there is a comparison with former boss Josep "Pep" Guardiola.

Xavi (pic) also praised teammate Lionel Messi, hailing the Argentine superstar as 'the best ever', while saying his game is better than that of Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Pep and Tito, aside from a few differences in tactical issues, are almost equal. Guardiola was closer in practice, and Vilanova is more distant," Xavi told Radio Catalunya.

"Tito has surprised me, because he looks very prepared, with clear ideas and keeping the philosophy of the club intact. Without detracting from Tito, I miss Pep. For me, he was a reference as a player and a coach. He helped me, and has been a leader in the locker room, and he also gave very strong leadership."

Xavi also gave his opinion on Messi, insisting that the 25-year-old is the best player in history, and that he is a reference point for the team.

"In the dressing room, Leo Messi is perhaps one of the quiet people. An extraordinary person. The number one. For me, he is the best ever, and has surpassed them all. He is the best by far, and his game is much more important than that of Cristiano."

Xavi also took the opportunity to take a swipe at arch-rivals Real Madrid, insisting that manager Jose Mourinho speculates too much, and will not go down in history.

"I fit into the game of Barca. I have affection for Mourinho, as he has been here three years, but their football is not what we want. His (Mourinho's) is more (to do with) speculating, of doing the opposite, so I think that will not go down in history."

- mD