Pep Guardiola named `best coach in the world`

Madrid: FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has been named the best coach in the World in the annual inquest by the International Federation of Football History (IFFHS) and Statistics.

Guardiola achieved 201 points in the vote of experts from 81 countries, well ahead of Real Madrid`s Jose Mourinho, who finished second with 112 points and Manchester United`s Sir Alex Ferguson on 107 points, Xinhua reported Friday. The vote reflects Barcelona`s superiority in Spain, Europe and the World following a 2011 in which Guardiola led them to the domestic, BBVA Primera Liga title, the Champions League, the Spanish and European Supercups and rounded the year off by seeing his side crowned World Club Champions following a 4-0 win over Brazilian side Santos. It is the second award Barcelona have received from the IFFHS for 2011 as midfielder Xavi Hernandez was named the `best playmaker` last week. Meanwhile Real Madrid`s Iker Casillas was chosen as the world`s best goalkeeper Wednesday. IANS